Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the Altoona English and Culture Club?
The purpose of the Altoona English and Culture Club is to show love and friendship to the international community, as commanded by scripture, by creating a welcoming environment: to learn English, help students with life in America in any areas needed, and share cultures. (Lev. 19:34: You must treat the foreigner among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.)
2. Do you share the gospel with students?
We share the gospel as the opportunities arise within relationships that are formed with students. At the beginning levels of English instruction, it is very difficult to find words to share the gospel because of the language barrier. Therefore, we begin each class with prayer and end each class with prayer. Prayer requests are followed up on with teachers. We also begin each class with a scripture reading from the gospel in English and the student’s own language. This has often opened up questions and discussions about the Christian faith and Jesus. We believe in what the Lord says about the reading of His word: Isaiah 55: 10-11 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that proceeds from MY mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.
We share the gospel as the opportunities arise within relationships that are formed with students. At the beginning levels of English instruction, it is very difficult to find words to share the gospel because of the language barrier. Therefore, we begin each class with prayer and end each class with prayer. Prayer requests are followed up on with teachers. We also begin each class with a scripture reading from the gospel in English and the student’s own language. This has often opened up questions and discussions about the Christian faith and Jesus. We believe in what the Lord says about the reading of His word: Isaiah 55: 10-11 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that proceeds from MY mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.
3. Who is involved in AECC?
AECC is made up of volunteers from many of our local Christian churches. Each volunteer is someone who follows Jesus and has a Christian testimony. We have a unity of shared beliefs in following the example of Jesus in love for the foreigner. Our core purpose is being committed to offering friendship, English instruction, and cultural exchange opportunities in the context of God’s love for the international community.
AECC is made up of volunteers from many of our local Christian churches. Each volunteer is someone who follows Jesus and has a Christian testimony. We have a unity of shared beliefs in following the example of Jesus in love for the foreigner. Our core purpose is being committed to offering friendship, English instruction, and cultural exchange opportunities in the context of God’s love for the international community.
4. What are the qualifications of the AECC team members?
All teachers have ESL training as well as curriculum training. Our director, Lori Crownover, has a Master’s in Education and a PA Department of Education K-12 ESL Program Specialist Certificate. All childcare workers have current childcare clearances.
All teachers have ESL training as well as curriculum training. Our director, Lori Crownover, has a Master’s in Education and a PA Department of Education K-12 ESL Program Specialist Certificate. All childcare workers have current childcare clearances.
5. How many classes do you offer?
We offer many levels: Literacy level for beginner English Language Learners using Intercambio Curriculum, Levels 1-5 using Intercambio Curriculum, Advanced level using Compelling Conversations, Conversational English classes in small groups, and Citizenship classes. We offer classes each Monday evening from September – May from 6-8 pm. Childcare is offered during this time. If there is student interest in a day class, we will try to offer it, but we cannot offer childcare during the day.
We offer many levels: Literacy level for beginner English Language Learners using Intercambio Curriculum, Levels 1-5 using Intercambio Curriculum, Advanced level using Compelling Conversations, Conversational English classes in small groups, and Citizenship classes. We offer classes each Monday evening from September – May from 6-8 pm. Childcare is offered during this time. If there is student interest in a day class, we will try to offer it, but we cannot offer childcare during the day.
6. How do you determine a student’s English level?
Students are interviewed the first night they register for classes. Based on the interview, students are placed in one of the English level classes.
Students are interviewed the first night they register for classes. Based on the interview, students are placed in one of the English level classes.
7. How quickly do students go through a level?
Each level in the curriculum is designed to be completed in one year if attending classes 1X week.
Each level in the curriculum is designed to be completed in one year if attending classes 1X week.
8. How much do students pay for classes?
Classes are free. If students are able, we ask for a $10 donation to cover the cost of their book. Levels 1-5 have two books per year, so the total student cost/year is $20.
Classes are free. If students are able, we ask for a $10 donation to cover the cost of their book. Levels 1-5 have two books per year, so the total student cost/year is $20.
9. What makes AECC different?
AECC’s mission is to show God’s love to internationals. We offer English in a class setting, which allows students to interact with English Language Learners from other countries, increasing the opportunity for students to form friendships. Class settings enable learners to practice English with games, pair work, and small groups. Each week, during class hours, all students and volunteers meet during our breaktime to talk and enjoy each other’s company. AECC’s goal is to include the whole family. Along with providing childcare for children ages 0-12, students, volunteers, and their families enjoy several cultural/holiday events a year. You will hear laughter and fun in the atmosphere at AECC!
AECC’s mission is to show God’s love to internationals. We offer English in a class setting, which allows students to interact with English Language Learners from other countries, increasing the opportunity for students to form friendships. Class settings enable learners to practice English with games, pair work, and small groups. Each week, during class hours, all students and volunteers meet during our breaktime to talk and enjoy each other’s company. AECC’s goal is to include the whole family. Along with providing childcare for children ages 0-12, students, volunteers, and their families enjoy several cultural/holiday events a year. You will hear laughter and fun in the atmosphere at AECC!
10. What can volunteers do at AECC?
- Provide snacks
- Set-up and clean-up of snacks
- Childcare
- ESL teacher & Asst. teacher
- Registration/Greeter
- Interviewing new students
- Translation help
- Transportation help for students
- Help with our Thanksgiving celebration meal for students
11. How can I get involved?
To obtain a volunteer application, please email Lori Crownover at [email protected]
12. How is Altoona English and Culture Club supported financially?
We are supported financially through gifts from individuals and churches. We have an all-volunteer staff; all workers volunteer their time for students in the areas of teaching ESL, childcare, helping students with any other needs outside of class, and providing snacks each week for break time. Although we have received support from several churches, we are not supported by any one church. We are hosted by the Altoona Alliance Church. All financial gifts go toward the following:
To obtain a volunteer application, please email Lori Crownover at [email protected]
12. How is Altoona English and Culture Club supported financially?
We are supported financially through gifts from individuals and churches. We have an all-volunteer staff; all workers volunteer their time for students in the areas of teaching ESL, childcare, helping students with any other needs outside of class, and providing snacks each week for break time. Although we have received support from several churches, we are not supported by any one church. We are hosted by the Altoona Alliance Church. All financial gifts go toward the following:
- teacher and student curriculum books (these can range from $10-30, so student payment of $10 does not always cover all costs)
- student/teaching supplies
- games, art supplies, books, toys, activities during childcare time for children of students
- office supplies needed for operations
- advertising
- free book table for students in all languages represented
- providing free art classes, computer classes, citizenship application assistance with forms
- Cultural activities (Thanksgiving, Christmas activities, etc.)
- Food for break times
13. How do I donate?
Go to Central Pa Community Foundation:
centralpagives.org/donate-now/ and apply your donation to the Altoona English and Culture Club (AECC).
OR
Click on our donate tab! We are supported under the Central Pa Community Foundation and our donate tab goes through CPCF.
Go to Central Pa Community Foundation:
centralpagives.org/donate-now/ and apply your donation to the Altoona English and Culture Club (AECC).
OR
Click on our donate tab! We are supported under the Central Pa Community Foundation and our donate tab goes through CPCF.
