Headquartered in New York City and incorporated in the State of Delaware, the English-Speaking Union of the United States is an independent national membership organization with more than 3,000 members organized in 64 Branches across the country. Committed ESU members and volunteers are the pillars of our educational and cultural programs as they enthusiastically work in their local communities to carry the ESU mission forward.
In partnership with Claremont McKenna College and launched with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the ESU Middle School Public Debate Program teaches students in grades 5–8 fundamentals of critical thinking and language arts skills through public speaking. The ESU Middle School Debate is unique in that it maximizes the learning and skill-building outcomes by extensive coach and judge training and an adaptation of the parliamentary model of debate for middle-schoolers. The program reaches students at one of the most sensitive times of their development. It enhances their academic performance in language, math and science classes and builds discipline, collaboration and tolerance of different viewpoints. It appeals to both boys and girls, which are almost evenly represented in the ESU leagues.
The ESU National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based education program supported by ESU Branches across the country, in which high school students read, analyze and perform Shakespeare’s works in three qualifying stages: school, ESU Branch and national. In the process, students develop analytical and communication skills, build confidence and learn to appreciate the power of the spoken word. Since 1983, more than 420,000 students have brought the timeless works of Shakespeare to life.
English in Action (EiA) helps newcomers to the U.S. improve their English language skills and build confidence. Students and volunteers meet weekly for one-to-one conversation practice. At the heart of the program is a commitment to cross-cultural exchange. Students gain insight into life in the U.S. Volunteers learn about different cultures and support new arrivals, refugees and other newcomers building new lives in this country. The program offers a safe and inclusive space to acquire the language skills to navigate everyday life, access basic services and communicate effectively in professional settings and daily life. A hallmark of the program is its comprehensive tutor training using best practices in cross-cultural learning and leadership development.
The ESU is one of the only organizations that offers scholarships to teachers to study abroad. Each summer through the generosity and dedication of ESU Branches nationwide, TLab Scholarships are awarded to local middle and high school teachers for summer study in the United Kingdom for 2–6 weeks to expand their educational and cultural horizons. Teachers have the opportunity to become college students again and live at Oxford University and Edinburgh University where they can study English literature, history, creative writing, theater and international politics. Or they can be up on their feet learning how to “Teach Shakespeare Through Performance” at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Not only do they earn valuable continuing professional development credits, they return inspired and eager to share their knowledge with their students, colleagues, and ESU Branches. Many of the teachers go on to become actively involved in their ESU Branches and facilitate the ESU National Shakespeare Competition at schools across the country.
The Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center (ARNIC) is a free program that facilitates the full integration of new arrivals, asylum seekers and refugees into U.S. life. The program provides new arrivals with the tools and resources to overcome barriers and build successful lives in the U.S. The center offers English classes, career services and opportunities for civic and cultural learning. The program is grounded in a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Each year we serve 350+ new arrivals. More than 2,500 new arrivals from 60+ countries have benefited from our services since the center opened its doors.
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