CLC's North Cambridge English Classes Improve Access for the Community

At the CLC, we care about what our students need. We try to make it easier for people to study. Distance to a program, access to transportation, and childcare are a just a few factors that impact a student's ability to learn.

There are many immigrant families who live in North Cambridge, including families from Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Haiti, and other countries. Some want to learn English, but it is difficult for them to travel to classes at the CLC’s Central Square location. To support their learning, we offer three types of classes in North Cambridge:

• Beginner conversation class for adults age 60 and older at the North Cambridge Senior Center (2050 Massachusetts Ave.)
• English Class for Parents with Young Children at the Center for Families location inside Peabody School.
• Low to intermediate-level English classes at the CLC's North Cambridge location on Ringe Ave.

During a recent English class for older adults, the students practiced responding to greetings: “How are you today?” Aster asked her classmate, Muchite. At first, Muchite did not know to respond. Her teacher, Maude, helped her pick an option from her worksheet. “I am fine,” Muchite said with a smile. In addition to learning English, students like Aster and Muchite can access other programs at the North Cambridge Senior Center and socialize with other older adults.

In the English Class for Parents with Young Children, CLC and Center for Families' staff support adult learners by providing childcare during the class. “I have wanted to take English classes for a while, but I did not have childcare for my 3-year-old daughter," explains Segen, a student in the class. "Now I can take my daughter to school with me. It is a relief. She gets to do activities and make new friends in one room. I am able to improve my English in another room.” 

The CLC’s North Cambridge building is located at 286 Rindge Ave. Adult learners can take Beginner and Intermediate English classes there. “I like having class in North Cambridge because it is close to my home," explain Sherin, a level 2 student. "I can get to class on time and meet people who live near me.” Both Sherin and his wife take classes at the North Cambridge location. Having it close to their home makes it possible for them to balance work, school and caring for their young daughter.  

The CLC has been teaching classes in North Cambridge since the late 1980s. While the types of classes and locations have changed to meet the needs of the community, CLC's commitment to student needs has remained unchanged. By offering English classes close to where students live, CLC makes it easier for students to learn and connect with their community. 

For more information about CLC's English classes, visit www.cambridgema.gov/ESOL. 

Photo Caption: Students in CLC's English Class for Parents with Young Children, offered in partnership with the Center for Families, work in their classroom in North Cambridge.