Bridges ESL

Our Mission:

At Bridges ESL, our mission is to provide free English language lessons to individuals in the Yale and New Haven community who aspire to enhance their communication skills and bridge language gaps. We are committed to empowering our students with the English proficiency necessary to create agency in family, workplace, and community settings, ultimately building bridges for their future.

Millions of immigrants arrive in the United States facing the challenge of limited English language skills. Proficiency in English is crucial for pursuing employment, obtaining higher education, acquiring citizenship, and engaging in daily interactions. Bridges ESL aims to support our students in developing confidence to navigate English interactions, equipping them with the tools needed to actively participate in their environment.

Our Activities:

Weekly Tutoring Classes
Direct Service
Bridges ESL holds free English tutoring classes for students in the New Haven area and beyond on a weekly basis.

Tutor/Tutee Bonding Events
Direct Service
Aside from weekly classes, we sometimes hold study sessions or other opportunities to meet each other to boost morale. This occurs when tutor or tutee turnout may be low or we feel there could be more engagement in the club. This also presents an opportunity for those tutoring or being tutored online to come to a physical space and meet others.

Weekly Tutoring Classes
Direct Service
Bridges ESL conducts free English tutoring classes on a weekly basis for students living in the Greater New Haven area. Tutors design their own curricula for small groups that meet in La Casa and the AACC. These classes serve as a cornerstone for language development, fostering an environment where learners can enhance their communication skills.

Semesterly Anthology
Direct Service
At the end of each semester, we create and print an anthology compiling student work that aims to celebrate their progress and the wonderful work of our volunteers. See past anthologies on our website: https://campuspress.yale.edu/bridges/anthology/

Educational Health Workshop
Direct Service
This year, we partnered with the Yale Community Health Educators to deliver two pilot workshops focused on topics such as the US healthcare system and successfully navigating medical visits. This initiative aims to directly address language barriers in healthcare and will hopefully become a mainstay of our program in the future!

Community Bonding Events
Direct Service
In addition to weekly classes, we organize bonding events to strengthen the connection between tutors and tutees. These events include study sessions and opportunities for students in different classes to interact, building a strong sense of community. Follow our Instagram @bridgesesl to stay updated!

Student Leaders:

Derek Song - Co-Coordinator/Co-President Melina Joseph - Co-Coordinator/Co-President