The Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (CCOIC) continues its vision to be “leaders in improving the lives of disadvantaged adults by creating educational and employment opportunities,” and one prominent way the nonprofit does this is through its Adult Tutoring Program.

CCOIC partners with the Chester County Library, Exton Branch, to provide free one-on-one tutoring for adult learners (18+) who would like help with any of the following:

• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Reading, writing, and math
• High School Equivalency/GED, TEAS, or TOEFL.

“We currently have 64 amazing Volunteer Tutors who support 71 students, and we are looking for more,” stated Javonna Wylie, Chester County OIC President and CEO. “We’ve had several success stories among our Tutors and encourage more Tutors to join in the program this year.”

Debbie Rikess, Program Coordinator of the Adult Tutor Program, emphasizes the need for Tutors in the area, noting that Chester County continues to become the home to men and women arriving from all around the world who seek a better life for themselves and their families. For many of these individuals, English is not their primary language.

“We have a large range of students in our program who come from 26 countries and speak 33 languages,” stated Rikess. “We have beginners that need to learn English to talk to their neighbors, their children’s teachers, doctors, and go to the store. Many of our students need to learn or improve their English to get a job or to obtain a better job. Many have a high degree of education from their home country and would like to re-enter their profession.” 

To meet the needs of this language barrier, CCOIC serves the area by providing free adult basic literacy education, English as a Second Language, and life-skills programs that prepare individuals for employment and economic self-sufficiency.

“What starts as an Adult Tutoring Program quickly becomes a source of confidence in the community for these adults,” said Rikess.

Teaching experience is not required, and training is provided online through the PA Department of Education. Tutors are asked to meet with their students three hours per week, and this is usually done in two, 90-minute sessions. Pairs meet in person at the library or another public location. The OIC Tutoring Office is located in the Chester County Library in Exton, which provides Learners and Tutors an abundance of resources and meeting space.

“As a fairly new volunteer, I especially value the cross-cultural experience, and my student appreciates my efforts to help her with refining her English language skills,” said Cynthia Knisley, who began tutoring in April. “If you are curious or feel a nudge to get involved as an Adult ESL Tutor, don’t hesitate. Effective communication in English is important for our newcomers. A life can be changed, one session at a time.”

“I love knowing that I am making a difference in someone’s day-to-day life and that tutoring is a two-way street,” said Sandy Orlow, who was been tutoring since Dec. 2021. “I learn from my student as much as she learns from me.”

Much like Orlow’s sentiment, long-time Tutor Rachel Hubbs, who has been sharing her knowledge and resources with others since December 2018, shares that she initially wanted to tutor to give back to the community. However, she states that her relationships have become quite close, and she now considers many of her students to be like family members.

“In the past three years, my tutees have gone from friendly and warm strangers to grandparents to my child,” Orlow said. “By giving back to my community, my village has grown.”

Malcolm Brubaker, a Tutor since 2018, underscores how rewarding becoming an Adult Tutor can be.

“My ESL teaching of a Chinese student has been rewarding on several levels,” he said. “As a retired teacher, volunteering has given me an outlet for a desire to continue impacting the quality of American life of a foreign resident. It has also made both my wife and me part of this student’s own family; we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and both American and Chinese holidays.”

To learn more about getting involved as a Volunteer Tutor with Chester County OIC, visit CCOIC, contact the Adult Tutoring Office (610-344-4013), or email drikess@cc-oic.org.

Learn more about Chester County OIC, a non-profit community-based organization that strives to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals throughout the community.