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.
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Program Services
LOP offers a unique, family-centered approach to language skills development for Montgomery County residents who are non-English speakers working to overcome 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.
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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.
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.
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
Director, Language Outreach Program (LOP)
Message us
Questions? Contact the LOP Director or send a message using the form below.
Testimonials
Volunteering with Reach lets me use another part of my brain as well as my heart. It's communal caring at its best.
Ellen R.
Volunteer
If you're given a second chance, don't waste it. And that's what [Reach] did for me; it gave me my second chance.
Vicki R.
Former Housing Resident
I have hope that I am going to make it by working with the team at Jefferson House who care.
Ervine R.
Housing Resident
For 14 years, we have supported Reach and are extremely pleased to witness the difference Reach's services make in our Montgomery County community. We have definitely seen improvement and happiness in the lives of those who Reach serves.
Koo & Patricia Yuen
Reach Supporters
The friendship and sense of community I have found among my classmates have helped me connect with this new country.
Christian F.
LOP Student
In [LOP], I have learned that you have to try, and the teachers have been a key part in increasing my confidence. They create spaces free of judgment and full of encouragement.
Yamile A.
LOP Student
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Here are ways to help
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.
Method 2
Donate funds
LOP is a program of Community Reach of Montgomery County ("Reach"), which is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service under tax ID #52-0910334. Donations made through the "Donate to support LOP" 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 grateful for any level of support.
Community Reach of Montgomery County
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Our Services
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