Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kinds of programs does Literacy Source offer?

Q: How do I know if these classes are right for me and if I can take them?

Q: How do I sign up for classes or tutoring?

Q: When are the new student orientations held?

Q: How much do these programs cost?

Q: How is Literacy Source able to provide free instruction to students?



Q: What kinds of programs does Literacy Source offer? (back to top)

A: There are lots of ways you can learn at Literacy Source. All our classes and tutoring sessions are FREE. At our center in Fremont, we have beginning, intermediate, and advanced ESL classes as well as one-on-one tutoring. All students who are learning English, from beginning to advanced, can take our classes. We also offer ESL classes in Tukwila and SeaTac.

For people who already speak English, but want to improve their reading, writing, math, or computer skills, we offer Adult Basic Education (ABE) one-on-one tutoring and math classes. Another class, Reading Tools for Life, helps ESL and ABE students practice their reading skills. Students listen to recordings of books while reading along silently. Then they read the material aloud back to a tutor.

We offer programs for low-income parents who need to find a job or want to get a better job. The ESL classes for job seekers includes computer, job readiness, and English language skills.

Our Citizenship Program offers tutoring, classes, and practice citizenship interviews at the Fremont center and in West Seattle for people studying for the citizenship test.

For adults who want to earn their high school diploma, we have an online program to help you study for the GED, or you can work with our External Diploma Program (EDP). The EDP allows adults to earn a high school degree by demonstrating their abilities through certain tasks. They meet regularly with staff over several months at convenient times.

To improve your computer skills, you can attend one or more of our computer classes or you can be placed on a wait list for 12 weeks of computer tutoring..

We also offer a number of classes off-site including a Transitions class at the King County Correctional Facility.


Q: How do I know if these classes are right for me and if I can take them? (back to top)

A: 
ESL

ESL classes: You must be at least 18 years old and agree to attend classes for three months or more. When you are done with the classes, you must agree to take a test to see how much you learned. You must be planning to live in the U.S. long-term as a refugee, immigrant, or citizen. If you are here on a student, visitor, or tourist visa, you cannot participate in ESL classes.

ESL tutoring: You must be at least 18 and agree to attend three hours of tutoring each week for at least one year. You must be a low-income refugee, immigrant, or citizen; students on visas cannot get tutoring. Students who are enrolled in classes and demonstrate good attendance are more likely to be matched with a tutor..

ESL for Job Seekers: All beginning-level ESL students can take this class. If you are on public assistance (TANF), you can also be referred by your DSHS case manager.

Workforce ESL classes: You must work for a company that is one of our partners to take these classes at your workplace. If you are interested in learning English where you work, call Isabel Childs at 206.782.2050 or email workforce@literacysource.org to see if your employer could begin to offer classes.

At Literacy Source, we provide free ESL classes and tutoring first to the students who need it most, including people who don't have enough English skills to be self-sufficient in their community or who can't get to classes for financial, family, or work reasons. Please keep in mind that we don't always have enough space, teachers and money to teach English to assist everyone.

ABE

ABE classes and tutoring: You must be an adult who wants to improve in reading, writing, or math or wants to work toward a GED or high school diploma. You should have a goal of getting a new or better job or continuing your education.

GED Online: To study for your diploma online, you must have an email account and good computer skills. You must be motivated to work on the GED Online at least four times per month and demonstrate higher level reading skills. Literacy Source helps you prepare for the GED test, but you will have to take the actual test at a local community college..

Reading Tools for Life: For this class, you must be at least 18 years old, come to class every week, and agree to take regular tests to see how you are doing. Both ESL and ABE students can take this class.

External Diploma Program (EDP)

You must be at least 21 years old, have some job experience, and be motivated to complete the steps needed for the EDP. You must have high school level skills in reading, math, and writing. To qualify for the EDP, you must take a test called CASAS and score at the high school completion level. You can take the CASAS test at Literacy Source. You can complete the steps on a schedule that works for you. You will earn a traditional high school diploma, which is awarded by Seattle Central Community College. SCCC charges $50.00 for tuition to get the diploma.

Citizenship

To work towards your citizenship with the Literacy Source, you must live in Seattle, be at least 18 years old, be a low-income refugee or immigrant, and have your Permanent Resident card (PR or green card) for at least 3 years and 5 months (if you're an immigrant) or 2 years and 9 months (if you're a refugee). If you are taking citizenship classes or are receiving tutoring elsewehere, you are not eligible to study citizenship at Literacy Source.

Computers

Any student or community member can sign up to learn basic computer skills from a computer tutor. The tutor will teach you one-one-one. You can sign up for a one or two hour session each week.


Q: How do I sign up for classes or tutoring? (back to top)

A: Call 206.782.2050 to sign up for a New Student Orientation. Read below for more information about signing up for the different programs.

After attending a New Student Orientation, you can sign up for an intake and registration appointment. This appointment usually takes 2-3 hours. You will fill out some papers and take some tests. If there is space in the classes or programs that you want, you can start right away. For tutoring, students will be put on a waiting list.

If you are interested in applying or studying for citizenship, please bring your Permanent Residency card (PR or green card), Social Security number, paperwork from immigration, proof that you receive benefits from DSHS (like a copy of a food stamp card, medical coupons or card, or a SSI or GA benefit letter). If you don't get public benefits, bring proof of your low-income status (like a W-2 form or a copy of your most recent tax form or paycheck).

Q: When are new student orientations held? (back to top)

A: Call 206.782.2050 or see our current calendar to find out when the next New Student Orientation will be held. They are usually held on Tuesday and Wednesdays, from 1:30-3:00PM or 7:00-8:30PM. You should sign up in advance—the sessions fill up fast!

Q: How much do these programs cost? (back to top)

A: Almost all of our services are free to students. The External Diploma Program (EDP) requires $25.00 at the beginning of the program and another $25.00 when you finish. All of our other services are free.

Q: How is Literacy Source able to provide free instruction to students? (back to top)

A: Since our primary mission is to provide learner-centered instruction to low-income adults in English literacy and basic life skills, we work hard to offer our services free or at very low cost. Literacy Source can offer all of these programs for free because we receive funding from a lot of different places. Corporations, government agencies, private foundations, small businesses, and individuals contribute funds to make our work possible.

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and Office of Adult Basic Education (OABE) supports Literacy Source's Adult Basic Education, ESL, civics, volunteer coordination, and WorkFirst services, as well as staff development.

Support from the Boeing Employees Community Fund, Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods, and other organizations allowed us to buy new computers and other resources to help learners prepare for today's world and workplace. In addition, many people in the community give money and support to Literacy Source at fundraising events throughout the year, such as our Annual Breakfast held in May.