Fall 2026 Volunteer Opportunities: Empower Adult Refugees through English Education!

About the Washington English Center:

Since 1993, Washington English Center (WEC), a community-based program, has offered English and literacy training to low-income adult immigrants in the greater Washington area.

What our volunteers do:

Volunteers meet once a week online or in person in downtown DC for 1-3 hours a week for 11 weeks. Volunteers follow a provided syllabus and textbook and are given ongoing training. No teaching experience is required!

We also have the opportunity to substitute teach, which does not require a once-a-week 1-3 hour commitment, and provides volunteers with the flexibility to get involved at their own convenience. We are happy to work with your schedule.

Please check out our volunteer flier or watch our short 7-minute orientation video that provides an overview of all our programs. You can also visit our website at https://www.washingtonenglish.org/volunteers/ or check us out in the Washington Post.

Volunteer Perks:

• Volunteer happy hour and socials in-person and online
• Meet new friends from around the world
• Networking events
• Perfect for college students interested in joining the Peace Corps or completing required hours for a class course
• Make a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees!

Volunteer Requirements:

• Speak fluent English, non-native speakers welcome!
• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete the volunteer application
• Complete a short onboarding call with a staff member
• Complete training
• Use provided teaching and tutoring resources and materials

Fall 2026 ESOL group classes start September 21th and run through December 12th however, our one-on-one tutoring sessions happen on a rolling basis and have flexible start and end dates. Please note, if you are interested in co-teaching we ask that you sign up by September 2nd to receive a placement on September 9th.

For questions, please feel free to contact Gabrielle Morrison, Programs and Partner Manager, at gmorrison@washingtonenglish.org.

We look forward to welcoming you to WEC soon!