New Year, New Class

The PVLA is excited to announce that we have a new class available for students! We are now offering an Introductory ESL and Integration class on Thursday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

You may be thinking, “Wait! Don’t you already have an Introductory ESL class and an Integration class?”

And the answer is yes, but the new class combines both of these sessions together.

The PVLA still offers an Integration class on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00, and will (hopefully) be offering an Introductory ESL class on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 11:00. By combining these classes together and offering them in the evening, our goal is to make sure we are helping as many students as possible at times that work for them.

What Does the Introductory ESL and Integration Class Offer?

Introductory ESL classes give adult students the foundation they need to learn the English language. Once they have the basics, they can then move onto higher level English classes, citizenship classes, or GED classes to obtain the skills and knowledge they need to accomplish their goals.

The weekly class is designed to provide basic information such as teaching students the alphabet, numbers, colors, and how to introduce themselves, among others. The classes are centered around 12 lessons, which are taught on a continuous loop throughout the year.

The goal of the Integration Class is to help transition newcomers to the area into their new community. The class is designed to provide basic information such as where and how to apply for jobs, how to find doctors and dentists and make appointments, how to navigate the community, and how to open a bank account, among others.

How to Register for the Class

If the Introductory ESL and Integration class sounds like something you’re interested in attending, all you have to do is show up during the class time. The instructor will get you registered and ready to go!

The class is free.

We are excited about being able to offer this evening class, and we hope students are thrilled to attend!

If you have questions, please reach out using the form on the right-hand side of the blog or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!).

The Second Session of Introductory ESL

Thanks to a grant from Tyson, the PVLA was able to offer an Introductory ESL class. The first 12-week session was held from March 21st to June 20th, and the second session just ended on October 2nd.

On average, 5 students attended each class, with the largest class having 8 students total. Most of these students were attendees from the first session, which means they enjoyed the lessons so much, they were willing to come back for more! Attendance consistency is so important when it comes to learning a new language, and these individuals were committed to their studies.

Some of the things students learned included telling time and the calendar. Students were also exposed to numbers. They also practiced previous lessons they had learned, such as getting to know one another and conversing in English.

What the Future Holds

From now until the end of the year, there will be no more Introductory ESL classes. However, we plan on getting them started again in 2025. The hope is to be able to offer an evening class as well as the afternoon class to ensure we reach as many students as possible.

Overall, this class has been incredibly successful. The students have been excited to attend, and they learned a lot. By securing more funding, we’ll be able to expand the program and make a bigger impact.

We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!

How We Spent the Funds from Cruise & Associates

 

You may recall that back in August, Cruise & Associates held a bowling fundraiser for the PVLA. They were able to raise $1,000, and that money was used to buy books, CDs, and CD players for our students.

Why Buy Books and CDs?

Having access to both CDs and print books can be incredibly beneficial to language learners because it will enhance their language acquisition.

While listening to the text and following along in the book, a student will be exposed to intonation, native speech patterns, and correct pronunciation. In addition, listening and reading can help them understand nuances of the English language, as well as expand their vocabulary and comprehension.

However, the skills go beyond language learning.

Listening to the audio version of the text and reading along in a print book boost reading comprehension, which can be incredibly beneficial for those studying for GED exams. 

Reading and listening simultaneously engages multiple parts of the brain, and the multisensory experience can reinforce an individual’s understanding of the material, making it easier for them to comprehend intricate plotlines or complex concepts.

Why Not Make Audiobooks Available?

While access to audiobooks is beneficial, the monthly fee in addition to the cost of purchasing the book can be out of reach for many of our students, as well as the PVLA. 

Instead, by offering them CDs and CD players, they’ll have access to our library of books, giving them the ability to listen and read at their leisure without having to download apps, worry about fees, or stress about draining their phone battery.

What Kinds of Books Did the PVLA Buy?

Since every student has different preferences when it comes to reading materials, we are offering a variety of book options. From fiction (including horror, literary, and classics) to nonfiction (memoirs and historical), students will be able to find something they’ll enjoy listening to.

Not only will they be able to improve their language skills and reading comprehension, but they’ll also learn about the world in which they live through the perspective of a wide range of authors and characters.

Why Did the PVLA Buy Those Particular Books?

While classroom learning is beneficial in helping non-native speakers learn English, it can get boring. To keep individuals interested and engaged, giving them access to stories is essential. Sometimes, when it doesn’t feel like a lesson, that’s when people absorb the most information. If a student can be entertained, they may be more inclined to keep learning.

Learning a new language is challenging—especially if you’re attempting this feat as an adult. While not impossible, there are many obstacles that need to be overcome. When it comes to learning English, one of the best ways to get a grasp on the language is to be able to see the words on the page and hear them being spoken.

Being exposed to and immersed in a new language is imperative, but once a person leaves the classroom, they may not find themselves around English speakers, which can make it even harder to learn the language. A solution to this problem would be for individuals to be able to check out a CD player and book that they can take anywhere and everywhere.

Without the generosity of Cruise & Associates, we wouldn’t be able to offer these resources to our students. Not only do we hope they learn something by reading the books we have to offer, but—most importantly—we hope they enjoy the experience.

PVLA Receives $7,500 Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to Support Adult Literacy

Students participate in the Introductory ESL class at the PVLA.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA) a $7,500 grant to support adult literacy. 

This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s more than $10.6 million donated to support adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates. With today’s grants, the DGLF also surpasses helping more than 20 million individuals achieve their educational dreams since its inception in 1993.

“This grant from Dollar General is going to make a huge impact on our students,” says Jessica Wiig, executive director of the PVLA. “Working with organizations that are just as passionate about literacy education as we are is incredibly exciting and ensures that students have what they need to be successful in the classroom and in life.”

The PVLA has been proudly serving the Columbus, Nebraska, area for several decades as a United Way Agency. Their goal is to meet the educational needs of individuals in the community. They partner with the Central Community College Adult Education program to further increase educational opportunities in the area and help students gain the necessary skills to be successful in life.

Adult literacy classes that are available at the PVLA include Citizenship, Conversational English, Introductory ESL, a Book Club and an Integration Class. One-on-one employability skills training is also available. 

The funds granted to the PVLA by Dollar General will be used to obtain and retain quality instructors and up-to-date classroom materials. The skills and knowledge that students learn in the class is not only beneficial to them but to the community as well, as each individual becomes a valuable and contributing member.

“We believe individuals of all ages deserve access to a quality education, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is thrilled to support thousands of learners across the country as they enrich their lives with literacy and education,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “This year’s spring grant cycle is equally exciting as we surpass impacting more than 20 million individuals. We hope these funds provide resources needed to positively change students’ lives, helping them to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. 

The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

For more information about the classes offered at the PVLA, please call 402-562-1463 or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com.

 

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $250 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 21.5 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.

Staying Focused on Your Studies Over the Summer

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Last week marked the end of the school year for Columbus Public Schools. There’s no doubt in our minds that the kids are extremely happy for the break, but having them home during the day can create some challenges for parents.

Between work and classes and taking care of your kids, it may feel like you don’t get much of a summer.

OR maybe you are planning a vacation during the warmer months. This is the best time to rest and relax, but it doesn’t leave much time for working on your English skills.

Don’t worry! Even if you aren’t in class, there are still some things you can do to ensure you’re staying focused over the summer.

1. Read with Your Kids

Probably the easiest way to ensure you continue to learn English over the summer is to read to your kids. It doesn’t matter what types of stories or books you choose, just make sure they’re in English. Whether it’s right before bed or in the middle of the day, reading with your kids can be incredibly enjoyable.

2. Listen to Audiobooks

In addition to reading with your kids, another option you have is to listen to audiobooks. There are a variety of apps that you can download onto your phone that give you access to a wide range of stories, so you’re sure to find something that you enjoy.

The best part about audiobooks is that you can listen while doing other things. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving, working, doing chores, or just hanging out, you can have a book playing in the background.

Audiobooks are ideal if you’re traveling. Whether you’re in the car or getting onto a plane, pop your headphones in, be transported to another world, and immerse yourself in some English!

3. Spend Some Time on Burlington English

If you happen to have the Burlington English app, spending some time on it during the summer can be incredibly beneficial—even if it’s only 5 minutes a day.

At night, right before you go to bed, instead of scrolling through social media, open the BE app and do a quick lesson. Sitting in a waiting room? This can be a great time to do some English lessons on your phone!

4. Go to Events and Talk to People

During the summer, there are tons of events to go to, and this can be a great time to practice your conversational English skills. Sure, it can be a bit intimidating to talk to others, but it’s also a great way to hone your skills and stay focused on your studies over the summer.

Plus, you’ll get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and have some fun!

It Doesn’t Take Much

Summer can be an incredibly busy time of year, and it can be hard to find time to study. However, by finding ways to include the kids or engage in activities while on the go, you can still study over the summer and improve your English skills.

We also hope to see you in class.

The Impact Made by CCC Adult Education and the PVLA

Living in Columbus, Nebraska, is an incredibly unique experience. There’s a lot of opportunity here, and it’s at a crossroads that leads to a variety of different places—both literal and figurative.

While most people are able to grab their piece of the American pie living here, there are some that find obstacles in the way. Here at the PVLA, in cooperation with CCC Adult Education, we do our best to help individuals bridge those barriers.

Some Insight Into Why What We Do Is So Important

Did you know that 11% of the population in Platte County doesn’t have a high school diploma? That can be a huge hindrance when it comes to finding high-paying jobs.

Data from Casey Family Community Opportunity Map 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 25% of the population in Columbus speaks a language other than English.

When it comes to employment in Platte County, we have a 2% unemployment rate, with a 7% poverty rate, but 27% of households are under the 200% poverty level.

Data from Casey Family Community Opportunity Map

People are working, but they are having a hard time making ends meet. What these numbers don’t show is what is holding these individuals back from living their best life, but the possibility exists that it’s education, English-speaking skills, or status.

The vast majority of Nebraskans are aware of the labor shortage. With a 2% unemployment rate, that means that everyone who wants a job, has a job. Yet, there are many, many positions in all fields throughout the state and particularly in Platte County and the surrounding area that need to be filled.

But where to find workers? There just aren’t enough individuals in the state of Nebraska to fill every role, which means that having individuals comes from outside the state, and potentially outside the country, can be incredibly beneficial.

According to the American Immigration Council, in 2021, 7.3% of Nebraska’s residents were foreign-born. They made up 9.2% of the labor force, and they contributed more than $1.2 billion dollars in taxes to the economy and had more than $3.5 billion in spending power.

 

Data from the American Immigration Council 

The largest population of immigrants in the state are aged 16 to 64, which means they are in the prime of their life and looking to start or maintain families. To do that, they need the right means, which includes having a job and community security.

Within Platte County, 11% of the population is foreign born.

Data from the Casey Family Community Opportunity Map

 

Of those in the state of Nebraska, only 69.2% of them are proficient in English. When it comes to education, 36.5% of individuals have less than a high school education. While some immigrants have a high school education and advanced degrees, due to the differences in education systems, their achievements may not always be recognized here in the U.S.

Data from the American Immigration Council 

Building Bridges Over Barriers

Individuals migrate to the U.S. for opportunity, and they come to Platte County and Columbus because there is a lot of opportunity to be had. However, to ensure they are successful in creating a secure life for themselves and their families, there are certain skills they need to attain.

The PVLA and CCC Adult Education is here to help. Our mission is to break down barriers and give people a chance to live their dreams. We empower students to obtain their educational goals and provide the skills and knowledge that they need to be successful in life.

In addition to the programs we have offered for years and years, we have started new programs, including the Integration Class, which helps newcomers to the area transition into the community and become aware of the various services that are here to help, as well as the Family Learning program, which is in place to help parents not only learn the English language but to also understand how the U.S. education system works so that they can help their children be successful.

The need for workers is only going to grow in the future. With that opportunity comes individuals who are willing, ready, and able to work—even if they weren’t born in this country. There may be barriers that stand in their way, but they aren’t permanent. There are ways to break down those obstructions and give people exactly what they need to reach their dreams, and the PVLA and CCC are proud and honored to be part of that journey.

How to Become a Snack Sponsor for the PVLA

 

It’s a New Year, and we’re looking for supporters! One way to help adult students achieve success is by becoming a Snack Sponsor.

Food is a love language. Whether you’re cooking your family a meal or asking a friend to meet you for dessert, food is a way to let others know how much you care.

When you were a kid, more than likely, one of the highlights of your school day was snack time. There was something satisfying about taking a break from learning and indulging in a delicious treat.

Things do not change all that much once you become an adult learner. Snack time is still a time of enjoyment and indulgence. 

Here at the PVLA, adults come to us to learn English as a second language for better employment opportunities, to help their child with homework, to communicate with their children’s teachers, and to be able to talk to those of us that only speak English. 

The majority of our students also work full-time jobs and have families to care for. Many either attend class then go directly to their job or come directly from work to class.

Being able to take a break to recharge body and mind is beneficial, and you can help an adult student achieve success by becoming a Snack Sponsor. Whether you want to donate money or products, you can make a student’s day brighter and better. 

As a Snack Sponsor, you will receive recognition in the Snack Corner with a sign announcing your generous donation*. If you have flyers or business cards you want to share, we will display those as well.

Sponsorships are for one month at a time, with a donation of $260, and will provide our students with granola bars, water, Gatorade, and any other treat the budget will allow for. You can pay for your sponsorship online or send a check to:

Platte Valley Literacy Association

3020 18th St, Box 3

Columbus, NE 68601

If you prefer to donate products but don’t know what to get, you can check out PVLA’s Spark Good Registry on Walmart.com. Pick some items from the list, pay for them, and they will be shipped directly to us. After making your purchase, make sure to send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com so that we can give you the recognition you deserve.



*Donation receipts are available upon request.

New Hires for a New Year

With the New Year right around the corner, the PVLA will be looking to fill some instructor positions. If you’re interested in helping others and being part of a unique (and super fun!) community, please consider sending in your resume.

Please keep in mind that the positions at the PVLA are contract, which means we only offer limited hours each week and you are responsible for withholding your own taxes (you can also speak with an accountant to determine the best way to handle this issue). The pay is $18/hour.

The jobs we’ll have available in 2024 include the following:

Conversational Spanish Instructor 

You must be bilingual to teach Conversational Spanish classes at the PVLA.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, while any level of college education is preferred.

The winter Conversational Spanish classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Classes start on January 9 and end on March 26, 2024 (12 weeks). Curriculum/class materials are available at the PVLA, so you won’t need to develop classes from scratch.

For Conversational Spanish classes to take place, a minimum of 10 students must sign up.

Integration Class Instructor 

For this class, we are looking for someone who understands American culture and the Columbus community and can share that knowledge with newcomers to the area. There is also a basic ESL component to this class, so being able to instruct individuals with low or no English skills is helpful.

You do not have to be bilingual to teach this class.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, while any level of college education is preferred.

We are looking to hire someone to teach the evening Integration Class on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Classes start on January 10, 2024.

This class is 1 hour long and offered continuously throughout the year. The classes are centered around 12 lessons, which are taught on a continuous loop, with focused lessons or presentations from community members inserted as needed. Students can join at any time.

Curriculum/class materials are available at the PVLA, so you won’t need to develop classes from scratch.

Citizenship Instructor 

Duties for this class include teaching from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Tuesdays with instruction based on USCIS requirements for passing the citizenship test.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, while any level of college education is preferred. You do not have to be bilingual to teach this class.

Citizenship classes are taught year-round, and you should be prepared to have new students join the class at any time, which means each lesson should be independent of itself. The lessons should be taught in a cyclical fashion, so students can join whenever and understand what’s going on, but it’s also important to continue to review material as long as students stay in the class.

Don’t worry! The USCIS has 16 beginner topical lessons, so it works pretty well to use these as the base of the cycle. You can then branch out and get more in-depth with specific topics based on your students’ wants and needs.

The only ESL reading and writing instruction that needs to be taught is within the scope of the test.

As a citizenship teacher, you’ll need to keep record of student start dates, application dates, interview dates, test retake dates, and outcomes as much as possible.

Outreach ESL Instructor

Outreach ESL classes are taught on location at businesses around Columbus. For the session we are currently hiring for, classes will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for 12 weeks.

You must be able to speak both English and Spanish to teach this session.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, while any level of college education is preferred.

Curriculum has been developed for this class, and training will be provided.

  

Send in Your Resume

If any of these opportunities sound intriguing, please email your resume to Jessica at pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com or go to Indeed and apply there (links are included in the job titles).

Please note that while having experience as an instructor is beneficial, it’s not necessary. We can train you on that aspect. What we’re really looking for here at the PVLA are people who are passionate about helping others. If you have a drive and desire to help adult students become successful in life, then teaching for the PVLA may be just what you need to do.

Our Latest Class Offering

When you hear the word “literacy,” the first thing that probably comes to mind is the ability to read. Being able to read is an integral part of literacy, and something we focus on here at the PVLA. Reading is incorporated into all of our classes in some form or another, and we’re also offering a class that focuses specifically on the act of reading.

The Importance of Reading

Reading is an important skill to learn because it helps an individual understand and navigate the world. However, it goes far beyond that. Reading also allows a person to use their imagination, which is essential when it comes to being creative and developing thinking skills.

Being able to read also improves a person’s focus, concentration, and memory. When you read, you are exposed to new terms and vocabulary words, which expands your knowledge and communication skills.

If you are trying to learn a new language, then reading becomes essential.

Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader

Since reading is so fundamental, as a way to encourage and improve literacy through the written word and to bring people together as a group, we now offer a Book Club.

The Book Club meets twice a week, on Mondays at 5:00 to 6:00 pm and on Wednesdays at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The goal is to give non-native English speakers an opportunity to learn more about the English language by reading texts that are entertaining and educational.

The Book Club is led by Olivier, who has a bachelor’s degree and 15 years of teaching experience. He speaks five languages, including English, French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, and Kiganda.

Learning a new language comes with many challenges, but a way to make it less strenuous and potentially even fun is to read. At the PVLA, we’re doing what we can to assist our students become as successful as possible, and the Book Club is another class to help them achieve their goals.