English as a Second Language

Our classes are called HOPE, which stands for Helping Others Practice English. Our goal is to help students learn practical conversation skills and make meaningful connections.

We are followers of Jesus. We want to obey Jesus because we believe he is God. In the Bible, Jesus tells us to love and welcome our neighbors. You are our neighbor! We care about you and want to help you learn English and be successful in America. 

 
 

When:

  • Friday, August 28 | 6:00–9:30PM

  • Saturday, August 29 | 8:30AM–6:00pm

Location: Room B106

"Before joining the ESL Ministry, I couldn't tell you the last time I shared my faith, but now every week I'm having spiritual conversations with lost people."

HOPE stands for Helping Others Practice English, using English classes to meet the needs of refugees and immigrants in Erie. But it's also offering hope to those who are hopeless. The nations are here and as the church, we can fulfill our Great Commission calling just by entering a classroom and making a friend. HOPE is offering a 2-day training to equip regular people to teach and help in the classroom. You don't need to speak another language, have teaching experience or be an expert evangelist.

You just need to love Jesus, love people and speak English!

The cost is $60 for general registration and $30 for alumni registration.

If you're interested in learning more, you can find Amy McCullough at the table in the lobby or contact her at amccullough@facerie.org for more information.

Registration will open soon!

Register Here

OUR CLASSES

From September to May, we have two semesters of English classes for adults. Classes are once a week for two hours. Our classes focus on conversation and learning to understand and speak English. Our classes range from beginner to advanced, and students are encouraged to start any time!

Regular Classes (by location)

Classes are held at four locations around the city of Erie. Some meet during the day and some at night. Click below for dates & times!

  • Date: weekly on Tuesdays
    Time: 9:30–11:30am
    Place: 720 E 6th St, Erie, PA 16507

    English class levels: 0, 1, 2, 3

  • Childcare is available for ages 0–6.

    Date: weekly on Thursdays
    Time: 9:30–11:30am
    Place: 1102 E Gore Rd, Erie, PA 16504

    English class levels: 0, 1, 2, 4, 5

  • Children’s program with tutoring for ages 6–12.

    Date: weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
    Time: 3:45–5:30pm
    Place: 933 E 22nd St, Erie, PA 16503
    Room: 34 (Upstairs)

    English class levels: 0, 1, 2

  • Childcare is available for ages 3–11.

    Date: weekly on Tuesdays
    Time: 7:00–9:00pm
    Place: 2939 Zimmerly Rd, Erie, PA 16506

    English class levels: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and Advanced

You can register for any of these regularly scheduled classes by clicking the link below.

Register for Classes here


Summer Classes

We’re offering a variety of specialized summer classes this year! Click to view the dates & times, and take note of who the classes are designed for based on native language.

  • Date: Mondays (June 1–July 6)
    Time: 2:00–4:00pm
    Place: Wesley United Methodist Church
    3308 South St, Erie, PA 16510

    *Time change: class starts at 3:00pm on June 1.

  • Date: Tuesdays (June 2–July 7)
    Time: 2:00–4:00pm
    Place: Wesley United Methodist Church
    3308 South St, Erie, PA 16510

    *Time change: class starts at 3:00pm on June 2.

  • Date: Tuesdays (June 2–July 7)
    Time: 6:00–8:00pm
    Place: Vietnamese Alliance Church
    720 E 6th St | Erie, PA 16507

    Prepare for the driver’s permit exam by learning the written and unwritten rules of the road. Practical driving practice on a realistic computer simulator. Class is designed for those who can not read the PA Manual in English or their native language. No language skills needed.

  • Date: Wednesdays (June 3–July 8)
    Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
    Place: Vietnamese Alliance Church
    720 E 6th St | Erie, PA 16507

    Prepare for the driver’s permit exam by learning the written and unwritten rules of the road. Practical driving practice on a realistic computer simulator. Class is designed for those who can not read the PA Manual in English or their native language. No language skills needed.

  • Date: Wednesdays and Thursdays (July 1–August 5)
    Time: 2:00–4:00pm
    Place: McKinley Elementary School
    933 E 22nd St, Erie, PA 16503
    Room: 34 (Upstairs)

    Class with a focus on reading and writing for beginner and intermediate levels.


GET CONNECTED

HOPE Volunteers

Interested in serving with HOPE Ministry? There are so many opportunities to get involved, both in and outside of the classroom! You don’t need to speak a foreign language or have professional experience—training is available. If you love Jesus and love people, you can volunteer! Service hours are available upon request. For more information, fill out the form below.

Request Information

HOPE Newsletter

Want to stay connected? Sign up for our monthly newsletter for volunteers and supporters of HOPE Ministry.

Sign-up Here

Want to learn more?

If you are interested in more information about HOPE, fill out the form below to get in touch with our HOPE ministry leader, Amy McCullough.
amccullough@facerie.org | 814-833-9862 x241