Our Programs

Digital Literacy & Equity

Individualized Tutoring

One-on-one tutoring is the heart and soul of English In Action. Adults who want to improve their English skills are matched with volunteer tutors. The pairs meet for approximately an hour a week. While the initial commitment is for six months, we have pairs who have been together for more than 10 years. Learning English is the starting point for these tutoring relationships, but many of our pairs develop strong friendships. English In Action’s staff support our tutoring pairs in having a successful experience and provide resources and materials for learning English.

Open Hours

Open Hours is a casual drop-in class offered in-person at Carbondale Branch Library every Monday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Students and tutors form small groups and practice their English by having conversations, reading from books and newspapers, asking questions and playing games. Volunteer tutors in this program include both advanced students and native English speakers.

Small Group Tutoring

Our Small Group Tutoring program offers students the opportunity to learn practical English in a small group setting. Each class connects one volunteer tutor with groups of 3-9 students once a week for 90 minutes. Classes run for 12-week sessions in the fall, winter and spring, with a shortened 8-week session in the summer. The program offers a structured learning experience using a set curriculum and class materials, although individual tutor creativity is encouraged. Classes are currently taking place in-person and online via Zoom. Most groups meet at our office space in El Jebel in the evenings, however groups may take place at different times and locations, depending on enrollment and tutor availability.

Community Engagement Activities

English In Action believes that once students have learned more English, it is also important to help them find ways to use that English and to engage more fully with the community. Students and tutors in our programs are regularly offered opportunities to do a variety of activities, including snowshoeing on Aspen Mountain, attending Theatre Aspen performances and visiting the Aspen Art Museum. Each year we also host a picnic for our students and tutors and a community fundraiser called the Fiesta de Tamales, which brings together community members from a wide variety of backgrounds in an authentic celebration of culture. Students and tutors also participate in volunteer activities in the community, civic events and activities intended to create greater cross-cultural understanding.

Digital Equity & Literacy

Launched in 2021, this program helps students attain basic digital literacy and develop essential skills for professional and personal success. With the guidance of English In Action’s Digital Literacy Coach, participants learn computer basics through online and in-person workshops. After completing a course in computer basics, English In Action students receive a new laptop or tablet for an affordable voluntary donation. The program provides students with the foundation needed to build digital proficiency and succeed.

If you are outside our service area, we suggest contacting Intercambio Uniting Communities in Boulder, Colorado for national online opportunities. Learn more.

Questions? Call us at 970.963.9200 or email info@englishinaction.org.