PGCC is proud to offer free ESOL classes, computer classes, and one-on-one tutoring to eligible refugees and asylees living in Maryland through the English for Refugees and Asylees Program.

ERA is for You if ...

  • You would like to develop your speaking and understanding of English for work and your life.
  • You want to develop your foundational English skills for communication.
  • You want to develop your English for life skills and future employment.
  • You want to learn more about U.S. culture.

What We Teach

  • Literacy, beginning, and intermediate-level English classes.
  • Instruction in English speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Instruction and practice for life skills and workplace English.
  • Community building and an increased familiarity with American culture.

Registration Details

Registration Requirements

  • Eligibility: Must have been granted refugee, asylee, parolee (AHPs and UHPs), Haitian/Cuban entrant, or SIV status within the last five years.
  • Residency: Be a Maryland resident.
  • Technology Access: Have internet access and a device for online classes. (In-person classes are held at the University Town Center in Hyattsville, MD.)
  • Proof of Residency: Provide documentation such as a lease or utility bill with your or a family member's name.
  • Proof of Immigration Status: Accepted documents include I-94, Employment Authorization Card, or Special Immigration Visa.

How to Prepare for Registration

  • Submit Required Documents: Proof of residency and immigration status can be sent via resettlement agencies or emailed to Lailuma Social at sociallx@pgcc.edu. (Include your most updated phone number and native language for further communication.)
  • Registration/Oral Screening Day:
    • We will call to verify the information in your native language.
    • A brief oral screening in English will be conducted.
    • You'll then attend an in-person placement test at the University Town Center. 
    • You will take an in-person placement test at the University Town Center. (During the call, you will receive details about the testing location, date, and time.)

Placement Testing 

  • Location: University Town Center
    6505 Belcrest Road, Suite 125
    Hyattsville, MD 20782
  • English Placement Test: Administered in person at the above location.

Class Details

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays

  • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (In-person and online)
  • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Online)
  • 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Online)

Note: We accommodate preferred class times based on availability.

ERA Basic Computer Classes (Fridays)

  • 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (In-person)
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (In-person)

Level 1A, Level 1B, Level 2, Level 3

Students who place higher than Level 3 can take PGCC’s higher-level ESOL classes. Please see the Adult Education ESL program for Levels 4 and 5 and the Transition ESOL program for more advanced courses.

Cost and materials: Classes are free, and textbooks are provided. Almost all classes are currently online. Please contact us to find out which in-person courses are available now.

Advanced Options

Students who place higher than Level 3 may enroll in:

  • PGCC's Higher-Level ESOL Classes: Adult Education ESL Levels 4 and 5
  • Transition ESOL Program: Advanced courses

Current Session Dates

  • October 7, 2024 – November 26, 2024
  • December 16, 2024 – February 19, 2025
  • March 3, 2025 – April 28, 2025
  • May 12, 2025 – July 7, 2025
  • July 21, 2025 – September 15, 2025
Flyers

Contact Information

Registration and Testing

Phone: 202-596-1746
Email: sociallx@pgcc.edu

ERA Program Information

Chaw Kalayar
ERA Program Coordinator
Phone: 240-232-7268
Email: kalayacx@pgcc.edu