This Program provides intensive online instruction in English as a second language to adult refugee students based in the United States. The program's coursework and materials are all offered completely free of charge to refugees and is funded by the Global Impact Initiative (Gii) through scholarships, partnerships, grants and individual donations.

This accelerated program is specifically tailored to meet the needs of refugees from Ukraine and is committed to equipping them with the language skills needed for both everyday and professional interactions. 

The Program began in May 2022, when Gii responded to a request for ESL instruction from a Ukrainian refugee who had just settled in Austin, Texas. Gii referred her to the HOFT Institute and provided a semester-long scholarship for ESL study. Not long afterwards, five additional Ukrainian refugee students joined the course and also received scholarships. Dozens more prospective students expressed interest in joining ESL classes, indicating a critical need for a formalized program that led to the establishment of this program that was originally referred to as LAURA (Language Acquisition for Ukrainian refugees in Austin). 

As the program grew, Blair Bourassa, Vice President and Academic Director of the HOFT Institute, undertook its management and began teaching courses online pro bono for almost a year. As interest in the program outstripped available resources, the program waitlist continued to expand. To meet the growing interest, Gii initiated a partnership with Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees (AJPR), who provided funds to cover teacher salaries and administrative expenses to finance two additional ten-week semesters of the program. 

The program graduated a class of 70 students, but a staggering 100+ refugees remain on the waitlist. This program is poised for growth and ready to expand its impact, with a Spring 2024 class of 80, but urgently requires additional funding to cover the cost of course materials, teacher salary, and administrative expenses. 

All instructors are experienced and compassionate. The first student to sign up for the program, Elizabeth Aruhunova has taken on the role of Program Coordinator and Gii is appreciative of her encouragement in helping us recognize the need as well as market and promote the offering.

Your support is critical to meet the needs of both present and future students. Join us in empowering refugees to unlock their potential and transform lives. We accept individual donations so that Gii can continue offering the program to qualified refugee students based in the Austin Metropolitan area and beyond. Support the program by clicking here.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Courses are taught in thirteen-week semesters, with the opportunity to test into the next level and continue study at the end of each semester

• Classes meet online three times a week for two hours each meeting, with the expectation that students will devote additional time to completing assignments before and after class

• Instructors are native English speakers with more than six years of experience teaching ESL to adults

• Each class is capped at 12 students to ensure that each student has sufficient time for practice and feedback

• Six levels of English language training are offered

• Courses utilize study material from Pearson Publishing, including online and physical textbooks, audio files, and workbooks

All participants receive resume assistance from Gii and are actively supported in obtaining skill-aligned employment.