2026 PVLA Classes

 
A new semester (and year!) is upon us, which means there are some changes to the PVLA class schedule. Below, you will find a listing of our current class offerings, times, and location.

Unless specified, classes are held at the Family Resource Center:
3020 18th St, Suite 4
Columbus, NE

For more information, please call 402-562-1463 or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!)

Citizenship Classes

Citizenship classes at the PVLA cover civics, N-400 vocabulary, interview preparation, and reading and writing for the U.S. naturalization test. Civics lessons are taught in order and repeated on a continuous loop, with focused lessons inserted as needed for students with upcoming tests.

Students may enter class at any point and continue indefinitely. Students need to understand basic English to get the most out of this class.

Classes are available year-round, with two class times available:

• Mondays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
• Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Held at Saint John's Lutheran Church
  821 Denver St.
  Schuyler, NE 68661

Book Club

Looking for a way to improve your English in an entertaining and educational way? Join the Book Club!

The Book Club meets on:

• Mondays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
• Tuesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
• Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Held at the Saint John's Lutheran Church
  821 Denver St.
  Schuyler, NE 68661

Conversational English

Want to improve your conversational English speaking skills?

Conversational English classes are offered on:

• Tuesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
• Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
• Fridays from 9:00 to 10:00 am and 10:15 to 11:15 am

Integration Class

The goal of the Integration Class is to help transition newcomers to the area into their new community. The class is offered once a week and is 1 hour long. It 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.

The Integration Class meets on:

• Saturdays 10:00 to 11:00 am
• Held in the Second Floor Conference Room at the Columbus Public Library

Introductory ESL

The Introductory ESL class gives 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 1-hour 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. Students can join the class at any time.

The Introductory ESL class time is:

• Tuesdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am

Introductory ESL and Integration

This class combines information from the Integration class and the Introductory ESL class into one evening session.

The classes are centered around 12 lessons, which are taught on a continuous loop throughout the year. Students can join the class at any time.

The Integration and Introductory ESL class time is:

• Tuesdays from 5:00 to 8:00 pm

Conversational Spanish

Want to learn Spanish to communicate with clients and members of the community? NO FEE!

Conversational Spanish class times include:

• Tuesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
• Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
• Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm

Employment Skills

The PVLA offers employment skills training to anyone in the community that needs some assistance when applying for a job; whether it’s their first or a better opportunity than the one they currently have. Some of the areas of focus include helping them fill out an application, put together a resume, and prepare for the interview.

The one-on-one training is based on the client’s needs. They let the instructor know what information is necessary to ensure their success, and the instructor tailors lessons to meet those specific, individual needs, taking as much time as necessary to ensure the client feels confident and has the skills and knowledge to apply for the job of their dreams.

Employment Skills Training available by appointment only. Please call 402-562-1463.

The Purpose of the PVLA

The goal of the PVLA is to offer students a safe space to obtain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the classroom and in life.

Our mission is to break down barriers and give people a chance to find success and live their dreams. We empower students to obtain their educational goals and reach for the stars by providing individuals with information about how to live in Columbus and obtain their citizenship, as well as teaching them English-speaking skills and helping them search and apply for jobs.

History

The Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA) has been proudly serving the Columbus, Nebraska, area for several decades as a United Way Agency. Our goal is to meet the educational needs of individuals in our community. We 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.

The PVLA evolved from a group of volunteer tutors in the early 1980s. As the director of the Columbus Public Library, Robert Trautwein was instrumental in responding to the need for more reading tutors. Mr. Trautwein wrote many grants that initiated programs that are still flourishing today. Many passionate individuals have shaped our organization into what it is now.

In 1990, the Platte Valley Literacy Association was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit. As the years have gone by, the PVLA has adapted in order to provide valuable services that address the current needs of community members.

Current Classes

Classes currently offered by the PVLA include the following:

• Introductory English as a second language (ESL)
• Citizenship
• Conversational English
• Book Club
• Integration
• One-on-one employment skills training

How is the PVLA Funded?

Grants

The vast majority of PVLA funding comes from grants. In essence, grants are funds that are awarded to a nonprofit from some type of foundation, organization, or business. More often than not, the PVLA has to apply for these funds, and the awarding entity decides if our cause is worthy of money.

Grant funds are typically restricted, which means that they can only be used for a specific program or purpose.

For example, the PVLA offers a wide range of classes, including Book Club, Integration Class, Conversational English, Citizenship, etc. While all of these classes are amazing and help students become successful, they are not all covered by grant money.

Some organizations prefer to fund very specific programs. When a grantor restricts funds to specific programs, the PVLA can only spend the money on those specific programs.

And those are perfectly reasonable and accepted practices. Every entity has something different they are interested in and want to support, so they send funds to help with causes/classes they care about.

Grants can also come in the form of unrestricted funds. Typically, these are classified as “operating grants.” This money can be used for an array of things, including salaries, rent, supplies, or instructor salaries.

Whether a grant is restricted or unrestricted, they keep PVLA programs up and running.

Donations

In addition to grants, the PVLA also receives donations from individuals and businesses. These can include money that allows us to buy snacks for our students or donations of snack items. We have also have had Thrivent grants donated to us to be used for a specific purpose.

We have also participated in fundraisers to obtain donations for our various programs. This year, like last, Cruise & Associates hosted a bowling fundraiser. In addition, Terrace Books put on a Blind Date with a Book fundraiser that collected $310 to be used for the purchase of snacks.

An Integral Part of the Community

The PVLA has been around since the 1980s, and we don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. We have evolved our program offerings to ensure we are providing what the community wants and needs when it comes to skills and knowledge—and we will continue to do that for as long as we can.

If you have any questions about the PVLA, please fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog, send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces), or call 402-562-1463.

The Benefits of Being a Board Member

Photo by Damir Kopezhanov on Unsplash

The PVLA currently has an opening for a new board member. If you've been considering being part of a group that leads a nonprofit, here are some of the benefits that come with becoming a board member:

1. The Ability to Make a Difference

If you’ve ever wanted to make an impact, then becoming a board member for a nonprofit organization should be on your list. You’ll have the opportunity to make decisions that will impact individuals and the larger community. You’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you made a positive impact on others.

2. You Can Strengthen Your Professional Credibility

Being selected to be a board member is an indication that you are trustworthy and valued. As a board member, you become highly visible and are called upon to make decisions that impact people’s lives. Not only can you strengthen your professional credibility within your own business, but you can also enhance your reputation across your industry and within your community.

3. Expand Your Professional Network

Board membership puts you in a position where you have the opportunity to meet intelligent, influential, and well-connected individuals from other industries that you may not typically have access to. Since everyone shares a common goal of promoting an organization’s mission, you’ll already have one thing in common. From there, you can expand your network and connect in other meaningful ways outside of board meetings.

4. Improve Your Professional Skills

Whether you’re looking to advance your professional career or just want to be the best in your current position, serving on a board can improve your skillset. Since you’re working in a group, you’ll be able to hone and enhance your collaboration skills. You’ll learn how to compromise and communicate with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds, and that will serve you in many different ways.

You may already have some experience managing day-to-day operations in your career, but when you serve on a board, you can expand that skillset and help with an organization’s strategic vision. This allows you to see some different aspects to running a business, which can then be applied to your job or any position you may decide to apply for later down the road.

Serving on a board also gives you the opportunity to improve your leadership skills. You may already know what it’s like to manage a team within your business, but being the head of a committee or other executives opens up new horizons and requires different knowledge. Not only can you help others as a board member, but you can also help yourself.

5. Gain Insight and Exposure

Serving as a board member gives you insight into the operations of an organization, as well as exposes you to other industries, markets, and business strategies. Having this information can help you think about your own business differently or help you transition to another company or industry.

6. Find Inspiration and Motivation

If you feel like your life or career has hit a dead end or you’re stuck in a rut, then serving as a board member can be inspirational and motivating. Again, you’ll be exposed to a variety of different professionals and industries, so this may kickstart some new ideas and get you excited about the different avenues you can take your business down.

In addition, becoming a mentor or knowing that the decisions you’re making are having an impact on the lives of individuals and the community can be incredibly gratifying. You’ll feel like you have a purpose and can support a cause that you are truly passionate about.

Increase Your Visibility and Do Something Good

Making the decision to become a board member shouldn’t be taken lightly. It does involve time and effort, and you have to be willing to dedicate both. However, you aren’t just giving without getting in return. There are many benefits to being a board member.

If service to others is something you’ve been thinking about, and you’re passionate about literacy and adult education, then you might want to consider joining the PVLA’s board of directors.

Want to know more about the process? Fill out the contact form on the right-hand side of the blog or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com.

CCC and PVLA July 2025 Class Schedule

Photo by Bich Tran

Summer is upon us, and with that comes some changes to the CCC and PVLA class schedules.

CCC Classes

The last day of CCC classes was June 26, 2025. There are no classes throughout the month of July, but there will be registration. CCC classes start again on August 4, 2025.

For any questions about CCC ESL or GED classes, please call 402-562-1463 and leave a message.

PVLA Classes

Much like CCC classes, the PVLA will not be offering all of their classes in the month of July. The classes that are still in session include the following:

Citizenship Classes – two sessions:

• Mondays from 6:00 to 7:30 (no class on July 7th)
• Saturdays from 11:00 to 1:00 – held at the Schuyler Library

Book Club – three sessions:

• Mondays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
• Tuesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
• Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00 pm

Integration Class – one session:

• Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am – held at the Columbus Public Library

For questions about these classes, please call 402-562-1463 or email pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!).

The People of PVLA

Overall, the PVLA isn’t what many would consider a huge nonprofit. Our focus is local, as we provide classes that benefit the people who live in Platte and Colfax counties, as well as the surrounding area. While we may not be large, the people who keep the PVLA running make a huge impact.

Who Keeps the PVLA Running?

The PVLA Board

At the top of the list of the People of PVLA is the board of directors. These individuals ensure that the PVLA does what it can to fulfill its mission and stay financial responsible. For more information about these people, please click on the tab above.

The Executive Director

Next in line after the PVLA board is the executive director. This position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the PVLA. From budgets to hiring to community outreach, the executive director does what is necessary to provide the programs that are the most beneficial to students.

Jessica has been the executive director since February 2023. Her role is only part-time, and she spends the rest of her working week teaching English classes at CCC and as a Writing Coach on campus. “There are two things that make me incredibly proud of what I do at PVLA: one is providing a safe space for students to learn, and the second is connecting them to the Columbus community.”

Classroom Instructors

While the PVLA board and executive director are responsible for much of the behind-the-scenes work, it’s the instructors that are the true lifeblood of the nonprofit. Without them, the PVLA would not be able to function. We are so thankful and appreciative of the individuals who provide their time and expertise to teach students.

We have instructors for the following classes:

Citizenship

Yesenia is the citizenship instructor in Schuyler, and she teaches on Saturdays. She started teaching in May of 2024. “My passion for U.S. history drives me to empower adults on their journey to becoming U.S. citizens. It’s incredibly fulfilling to motivate them as they pursue their own dreams and goals. I believe in the transformative power of education and am committed to helping adults realize their aspirations, all while providing this invaluable support at no cost. Together, we can build a brighter future!”

Melanie teaches citizenship in Columbus on Monday evenings, and she has been with the PVLA since the fall of 2020. “I previously enjoyed working with CCC Adult Education and PVLA students as the volunteer coordinator, and I wanted to continue when I took a full-time job as the CCC-Columbus Academic Success Center director. I love helping PVLA students reach their goal of becoming a United States citizen!”

Introductory ESL and Integration

Lorena teaches the Introductory ESL and Integration class on Thursday nights in Columbus. This is one of our newest class offerings, so she has only been with PVLA since January of 2025. “I have the desire to help more people and families in our community. I love teaching the integration class, this class has helped so many adults adapt to life in the US by providing English language skills, digital literacy and knowledge of resources and services that our community has to offer. I definitely see myself teaching at PVLA for many more years to come!”

Introductory ESL

Toni teaches the Introductory ESL class on Tuesday mornings, and she has been with PVLA since February 2025. “I recently retired but wanted to keep busy. I wanted to meet new people and also contribute to the community. I felt that teaching ESL would meet these goals. I would like to continue teaching ESL and also looking for other opportunities to volunteer.”

Family Literacy

Lana has been the Family Literacy instructor at Emerson Elementary since August 2024. “I wanted to become a PVLA instructor because I enjoy helping people who are new to our community. I especially love teaching English and interacting with people from different countries.”

Conversational English

Bill has been teaching the Conversational English class in Columbus for at least 10 years—but no one really knows for sure how long he’s been here, so he could have been teaching for much longer! “I saw an article in a church bulletin asking for volunteer tutors. It has been rewarding to see former students doing well.”

Outreach ESL

Mikaela has been teaching Outreach ESL classes since July 2024. These classes are offered by various businesses around town, and Mikaela goes on-site to instruct the employees. “I like making people feel seen, heard and giving them a friendly face when they may be trying to acclimate to a new country or culture. I also like helping people, and seeing their faces light up when they realize that they can communicate with me makes my day. I love seeing my students in class every week, knowing they are paying attention and trying hard to learn. They are doing very well and I am proud of them all.”

A Place for All

The PVLA has been around since the 1980s, and we continue to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond. Everyone at the PVLA plays a vital role, and we couldn’t ask for a better team!

Rainy Day Activities

April showers bring May flowers—and we should be seeing a lot of blooms here soon.

We’ve been getting a lot of rain here in Columbus, and while it’s needed, it can also leave you feeling bored and unsure of what to do. If you find yourself stuck inside on a gray day, here are some ways to stay busy.

Spend Some Time on Burlington English

If you happen to have the Burlington English app, spending some time on it while it’s raining can be incredibly beneficial.

Instead of scrolling through social media, open the BE app and do a quick lesson. Is there a commercial break during your favorite show? Perfect time to do get on your phone and engage in an English lesson!

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. If you’re trying to get some rainy day cleaning done, you can pop in your headphones and listen to a book at the same time.

If you’re looking to relax, curl up on your couch with a blanket and an audiobook and get lost in another world.

Read with Your Kids

If you need to keep yourself and your kids busy on a rainy day, consider reading to your kids. It doesn’t matter what types of stories or books you choose. You can even have them read to you. Reading is a great way to forget that the weather outside is less than ideal.

Bake a Delicious Treat

While engaging in learning activities on a rainy day can be beneficial, you can also do something enjoyable—like baking your favorite treat. Not only will the warmth from the oven fill you with joy, but the smells in your house will make you forget all about the dreary weather outside.

The rain may be needed, but it can still make the day feel long and boring. Thankfully, there are things you can do to pass the time.

The Perks of Partnering with the Columbus Area United Way

The Platte Valley Literacy Association has been a Columbus Area United Way (CAUW) Partner Agency for decades (more than 30 years), and we are proud and honored to have that connection. 

What Is a Partner Agency?

The simple answer to this question is that United Way Partner Agencies provide services to individuals within a community to address specific needs that the United Way has determined are important to quality of life. They have named these their Three Pillars. Those pillars include:

• Health
• Education
• Financial Stability

These categories are pretty broad and general, and then it’s up to the local United Way to develop criteria under each heading that best serves the people living in the area. The local United Way then works with “Partner Agencies” to ensure that the needs of individuals within the community are being met.

As a Partner Agency, the PVLA is tasked with providing a service that makes positive, meaningful change within the community. The United Way wants people to live their best lives, but they can’t achieve that goal on their own. They need to work with others who share their vision of a strong community, and that’s why they create partnerships with other agencies.

What Benefits Do Partner Agencies Get?

Helping the United Way comes with many benefits, including access to funding opportunities, resources for promotion and outreach, and opportunities for learning.

The United Way supports its Partner Agencies to ensure they are providing the best services possible. After all, if the Partner Agency is successful, the United Way is successful, and the community gets the services it needs to thrive and survive. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Probably the biggest benefit that comes with being a United Way Partner Agency is the sense of satisfaction that comes with knowing we’re making a difference. It feels really good to know that we are helping those in need and making Columbus an incredible place to live.

A Prosperous Relationship

There’s a reason why the PVLA has been a United Way Partner Agency for as long as it has; it gives us the opportunity to make a huge difference in the Columbus community. We also have access to and make connections with other nonprofits in the area, and it feels good to be part of a productive and prosperous movement.

The United Way has been doing good things in communities around the world for more than 135 years. They are catalysts of social change and exist to promote the common good.

Being a United Way Partner Agency is a big deal because it can make a huge impact on countless lives. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

Appreciating Community Presenters

One of the things that the PVLA takes pride in is being able to connect students to the Columbus community and vice versa.

One way that is accomplished is by having community presenters come to different classes and talk about what their organizations have to offer. Classes that have been visited include the Integration class that meets on Saturday, the Introductory ESL class that meets on Tuesday morning, the Integration and Introductory ESL class that meets on Thursday evening, and Family Learning.

Some of the community members that have presented include the Platte County Sherriff’s Department, East Central Health District/Good Neighbor Health, nutritionists from the hospital, directors of the Columbus Field House, immigration consultants from Centro Hispano, and others.

Having an integrated and informed community is essential to social wellbeing. We deeply appreciate those organizations and individuals who have spoken to our classes, and we look forward to working with others to ensure these connections continue.

PVLA Citizenship Classes

 

Are you thinking about become a U.S. citizen? The PVLA can help you achieve your goals!

Citizenship classes at the PVLA cover civics, N-400 vocabulary, interview preparation, and reading and writing for the U.S. naturalization test. The following civics lessons are taught in order and repeated on a continuous loop, with focused lessons inserted as needed for students with upcoming tests.

1. George Washington	9. Abraham Lincoln
2. Thomas Jefferson/Declaration of Independence	10. Civil War
3. American Symbols & Celebrations	11. U.S. Wars in the 1800s
4. Your Government & You	12. U.S. History Since 1900
5. U.S. Geography	13. Equality & Freedom
6. Thanksgiving	14. Executive Branch
7. Benjamin Franklin/U.S. Constitution	15. Legislative Branch
8. Bill of Rights/Other Amendments	16. Judicial Branch

Classes are available year-round, with two class times available: 

• Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Family Resource Center in Columbus
• Saturdays from 11:00 to 1:00 at the Schuyler Public Library

Students may enter class at any point and continue indefinitely. Students need to understand basic English to get the most out of this class.

If you'd like more information or to sign up for classes, fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog, send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don't forget to remove the spaces!), or call 402 - 562 - 1463. 

A Reminder of What the PVLA Does

We are a couple of months into 2025, so now is a good time to remind everyone what the PVLA does.

The Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA) has been proudly serving the Columbus, Nebraska, area for several decades as a United Way Agency. Our goal is to meet the educational needs of individuals in our community. We 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.

The PVLA evolved from a group of volunteer tutors in the early 1980s. As the director of the Columbus Public Library, Robert Trautwein was instrumental in responding to the need for more reading tutors. Mr. Trautwein wrote many grants that initiated programs that are still flourishing today. Many passionate individuals have shaped our organization into what it is now.

In 1990, the Platte Valley Literacy Association was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit. As the years have gone by, the PVLA has adapted in order to provide valuable services that address the current needs of community members.

Classes currently offered by the PVLA include the following:

• Introductory ESL
• Citizenship
• Conversational English
• Book Club
• Integration
• Introductory ESL and Integration  
• One-on-one employment skills training

Introductory ESL Moves to New Day and New Time

Last year, the PVLA was able to offer an introductory ESL class thanks to a generous gift from Tyson Foods.

In 2025, that class is still available, but it is now being offered on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am.

What Are Introductory ESL Classes?

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 2-hour 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.

How Does One Sign Up for Introductory ESL Classes?

Students can join the introductory ESL class at any time. All you need to do is show up during class time! This class is free.

Have questions? Fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!). You can also call 402-562-1463.

2024 Annual Report

The PVLA is excited to announce that the 2024 Annual Report is ready to be viewed! If you'd like to see what the PVLA was up to last year, browse through the report below.