EOC Partners with RISSE to Offer No-Cost ESL Classes

September 8, 2022

The Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), a division of Hudson Valley Community College, is partnering with the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) to offer free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults who want to learn English as a new language.

Classes taught by RISSE instructors will be offered starting on Sept. 12 at the EOC’s Albany Center for Education located at 30 North Russell Road. The Adult ESL classes will run through Dec. 16. Level 1 classes are Monday-Friday (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), Level 2 classes are Monday-Thursday (9:30-11:30 a.m.), Level 3 classes are Monday-Thursday (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.), and Level 4 classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays (1:30-3:30 p.m.). Online classes will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (1:30-3:30 p.m.).

Enrollment is now open, and interested students may call the EOC at (518) 273-1900 x2230 to register or get more information. Students must be at least 16 years old and meet financial and residency eligibility requirements. Enrollees must also have lived in New York State for the previous 12 months, however there is no residency requirement for refugees.

“The mission of the EOC is to deliver comprehensive, community-based academic and workforce development programs, and ESL is a core academic need that leads to greater opportunities for students as they further their education and their careers,” said Dr. Denise Fernandez-Pallozzi, Executive Director of the EOC.

“RISSE is focused on equipping refugee and immigrant newcomers in the Capital Region with the education and resources they need to build sustainable, independent lives,” said Daniel Butterworth, RISSE Executive Director. “This partnership with the EOC provides a unique opportunity to expand educational offerings, job readiness, and support services for our newest neighbors and help them become integral members of our community."