About

English at Work is an Austin, Texas-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide essential language instruction at the workplace in order to increase employees’ opportunities for improved quality of life and to increase employers’ competitive advantage.

The organization’s vision is to build a community where language proficiency gives all people access to opportunity. To achieve this vision, English at Work engages employers and employees in the curriculum development process, creating lessons that are specific to the workplace. Lessons are also specific to Austin and incorporate local bus schedules, information on public officials, and visits from English at Work partner agencies.

In the past 2 years, English at Work has served over 200 students at 25 sites in the service, construction, and health care industries. Classes are taught for an hour to an hour and a half 3 to 5 times a week over a 24-week period. Course titles include “Workplace Basics,” “Customer Service,” and “Workplace Health and Safety.” The curriculum emphasizes listening and speaking skills and incorporates materials from the business in which the course is taught.