For many immigrants and their families in Dearborn, learning English is more than necessary—it’s the gateway to a better life in America.
At LAHC (Leaders Advancing & Helping Communities), we understand that every new English speaker has unique needs and goals. That’s why we partner with Dearborn Public Schools’ Adult Education services to provide culturally sensitive and practical ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.
Whether you’re beginning your English journey or looking to improve your skills, LAHC provides comprehensive support through its adult education programming, including multiple levels of ESL, digital, and financial literacy classes.
No registration fees—learning is free!
At LAHC, we believe everyone deserves the chance to succeed, so our ESL classes are completely free.
Enrollment is free, and we provide all the necessary resources to start learning immediately.
Register here to begin your ESL classes in Wayne County.
What happens in a typical ESL class?
When you join LAHC’s ESL program, you step into a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
Our classes are built around real-world needs to help you confidently understand and speak English in everyday life.
Let’s look at what you can expect from a typical class.
Practical English-speaking skills for real-life
Students learn essential communication skills, such as introducing themselves, asking for directions, or making appointments.
These lessons are not just about memorizing words—they’re about building confidence in speaking and listening in real-life situations.
Reading and writing for daily tasks
Classes focus on practical literacy skills, like filling out forms, reading street signs, or writing emails.
These lessons help learners handle everyday tasks that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
Speaking and listening for success
Conversations are a key part of every ESL class. You’ll practice speaking English with your classmates and understand different accents and phrases.
This helps prepare you for work, school, or community interactions.
Numeracy
Many of our classes include basic numeracy understanding, which is important for tasks like shopping, budgeting, and filling out job applications.
Cultural awareness for navigating American life
Understanding cultural differences is an important part of language learning.
ESL classes at LAHC also help students navigate cultural norms, making connecting with neighbors, coworkers, and public services easier.
By focusing on these areas, LAHC’s ESL program ensures students gain the skills to communicate effectively and feel confident in their daily lives.
Tips for improving your English-speaking skills
Outside of your ESL classes, you can follow these everyday tips to improve your English:
- Practice daily: Talk with friends, family members, or classmates who speak English. Even short conversations can help you get better.
- Watch and listen in English: Watch TV shows, movies, or online videos in English. Listen to English songs or podcasts. Pay attention to how people say words and use sentences.
- Repeat what you hear: If you hear a new word or phrase, say it out loud. Try to use it in your own sentences. This helps you remember it.
- Use a dictionary or translation app: When you find a new word, look it up. Learn the meaning and try using it in a sentence right away.
- Don’t be afraid of mistakes: Making mistakes is normal. Each mistake is a chance to learn something new. Keep trying, and you will improve.
- Speak slowly and clearly: You don’t have to speak fast. Speaking slowly and clearly helps others understand you and gives you time to think.
Why learn English at LAHC?
Learning English is about more than mastering a language—it’s about building a life in your community.
At LAHC, we understand the cultural challenges that immigrants face, from balancing work and family responsibilities to overcoming systemic barriers like discrimination.
Our ESL program is designed to help you overcome these challenges by:
- Improving career opportunities: English skills can open doors to better jobs and promotions. Many students have started businesses or entered higher-paying roles after completing our program.
- Helping parents get involved: Parents who improve their English can better support their children in school and communicate with teachers.
- Building community connections: Knowing English makes participating in local events, volunteer opportunities, and civic activities easier.
- Providing a supportive environment: Our classes are culturally sensitive and designed to make all learners feel welcome and respected.
How to enroll in LAHC’s ESL classes
Getting started with English as a Second Language (ESL) program through WayneLINC is easy. The program is designed to make learning English accessible for everyone.
Joining our ESL program is simple. Here’s how to get started:
1. Check your eligibility
To enroll, you must be at least 20 years old, depending on the program. You may also qualify if you’re younger but have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Register and take an assessment test
Once eligible, visit one of our locations to register and take a short test. This helps us understand your current English level so that we can place you in the right class.
3. Start your journey
After placement, you’ll join a class tailored to your skill level. From day one, you’ll start learning practical English skills that make a difference in your life.
How learning English helps you achieve greater success in your community
With a better command of the English language, new opportunities open up that once seemed out of reach.
Here’s how learning English through LAHC can help:
- Start a business: Navigate permits, manage finances, and connect with a diverse customer base.
- Support your family: Communicate with teachers, participate in school events, and help your children with homework.
- Grow your career: Qualify for promotions, take on leadership roles, or explore new job opportunities.
Take ESL classes with LAHC
If you’re ready to build a brighter future for yourself and your family, join LAHC’s ESL program. Learning English will help you gain confidence, achieve your goals, and connect with your community.
To make it easy for you to attend, our ESL classes are offered at multiple locations and times across Dearborn:
- LAHC Headquarters: 5275 Kenilworth St., Dearborn, MI
- Henry Ford College: 5101 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI
- Salina Intermediate School: 2623 Salina St., Dearborn, MI
- Bint Jebail Cultural Center: 14201 Prospect St., Dearborn, MI
We also offer flexible schedules, including:
- Day Classes: 2-hour sessions that meet Monday through Friday for 12 weeks.
- Evening Classes: 3-hour sessions held twice a week for 15 weeks.
Call us at 313-846-8480 to learn more about our ESL classes and other community services.
Follow us and stay updated by following LAHC on Facebook. To support our mission, visit LAHC.org/waynelinc to see how you can help us continue empowering our community.
About WayneLinc
WayneLINC is a partnership between Wayne County, SEMCA, and community organizations like LAHC. Its goal is to support individuals in securing and maintaining meaningful employment.
LAHC’s team provides personalized coaching and career planning. Community members can enroll in various courses and levels to support their career path, including ESL, Digital Literacy, Career Readiness, and Financial Literacy.
LAHC career navigators also help individuals connect to transitional employment opportunities and access essential supportive services such as childcare and transportation.