LANGUAGE OUTREACH PROGRAM

Education for Immigrants

Reach's Language Outreach Program (LOP) was established in 1993 in response to a growing number of non-English-speaking immigrants in the Rockville area. The newcomers faced a language barrier that made it harder to function in the community, access resources, communicate with their employers, and help their children in school. LOP works to create a community that can effectively communicate, which in turn contributes to a stronger tax base, better learning for everyone in schools, and a more cohesive society.

Program Services

LOP offers a unique, family-centered approach to language skills development for Montgomery County residents who are non-English speakers struggling with language and cultural barriers. School-age children of adult students receive tutoring to improve their academic performance. LOP also offers classes to prepare students for the U.S. citizenship application process and assistance with completing the application.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

LOP provides formal, structured classes to non-English speaking adults in Montgomery County seeking to learn or improve their English. Classes focus on the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

ESL classes run year-round across four semesters with levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Most students complete one level per year, which includes 120 hours of instruction. Classes are available online or in-person.

Details

Fees:

  • Registration: $25 one-time fee
  • Books: $30

Class levels:

  • Beginning A, B, and C
  • Intermediate A, B
  • High Intermediate A, B
  • Advanced

A placement test is required for new students.

Semesters:

  • Winter Semester - January to February
  • Spring Semester - March to June
  • Summer Semester - July to August
  • Fall Semester - September to December

Conversation Classes

Conversation classes offer an informal opportunity to practice speaking skills for daily living and pronunciation. Each class focuses on a different practical topic.

Details

Registration Fee: $10 per semester

Class levels:

  • Beginning
  • Intermediate
  • High Intermediate
  • Pronunciation

A placement test is required for new students.

Semesters:

  • Winter Semester - January to February
  • Spring Semester - March to June
  • Summer Semester - July to August
  • Fall Semester - September to December

Citizenship Classes

Preparation for the U.S. citizenship test focuses on learning how to complete the U.S. citizenship application, practicing the answers to the geography, civics, and history questions that may be asked during the interview, and passing the interview. Participants can get help filling out the N400 form. Classes are offered virtually.

Fees:

  • Registration: $20
  • Books: $30

Resources

To learn more about other types of assistance available for Montgomery County residents, including healthcare, workforce development, food, and clothing, visit our Resources Page.

Contact Us

Questions? Contact the LOP Director or send a message using the form below.

Cecilia Rojas - Community Reach of Montgomery CountyCecilia Rojas - Community Reach of Montgomery County

Cecilia Rojas

Director, Language Outreach Program (LOP)

Message us

Questions? Contact the LOP Director or send a message using the form below.

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Testimonials

Supporting the work of Community Reach of Montgomery County feels like neighbors helping neighbors...

Rev. Jennifer Knutsen

Pastor, Rockville United Church

The clinic staff called me over and over again to get tested for colon cancer. I followed their recommendations and thanks to all the staff, the doctor and the manager, I was saved from advanced cancer. They discovered my cancer early and thanks to them I no longer have cancer.

Maria F.

MKHC Patient

I wanted to find a way to help people in my own community avoid evictions and potential lifelong housing instability. Fortunately, I discovered REAP, which helps individuals and families do just that.

Olivia Bobrowsky

REAP Supporter

I am very appreciative of the services REAP provides to families like myself who need a little help when they are in crisis and need a place to turn to as a safe haven.

Anonymous

REAP Client

I feel very lucky to volunteer at MKHC because of the incredible team. They have created such a supportive and understanding environment not just for myself but for every single patient that walks in.

Emily R.

MKHC Volunteer

I have hope that I am going to make it by working with the team at Jefferson House who care.

Ervine R.

Housing Resident

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Here are ways to help

Community Reach of Montgomery County

Method 1

Volunteer your time

Volunteers serve as teacher's assistants and help the school-age children of students with homework.They also act as immigration officers for mock interviews in our Citizenship classes. Administrative support is also welcome.

Community Reach of Montgomery County

Method 2

Donate funds

LOP is a program of Community Reach of Montgomery County (Reach). Reachis a non-profit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, under tax ID #52-0910334. Donations made through the Donate button below, or checks sent to Reach with "LOP" written in the memo section, will go directly to supporting the work of LOP. We are gratefulfor any level of support.