English as a Second Language

North Carolina’s adult immigrant population creates a substantial demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) services. The state’s foreign-born population stands at around 900,000 individuals, with immigrants coming from diverse regions, including Latin America (50%), Asia (28%), and Europe (12%). This diverse group mainly originated from Mexico, India, Honduras, China, and El Salvador.

Before entering North Carolina’s ELL programs, students exhibit a wide range of educational backgrounds. While 28% have attained a post-secondary degree and 24% have completed a secondary school diploma, a significant portion, about 35%, has limited formal education, with some having completed only elementary or middle school and 3% having no schooling at all. This diversity in educational attainment underscores the need for tailored instruction within the ELL programs to effectively meet these students’ varied learning needs.

Fifty-three percent of participants in ESL programs are employed, demonstrating the importance of these services in helping immigrants improve their job prospects and fully integrate into the labor force. Tailored ESL programs in North Carolina play a critical role in helping these adults enhance their English proficiency, thus increasing their ability to contribute to and thrive in the state’s economy.

Please note that our services are not available to individuals on F or J visas. These visa categories are typically associated with students and exchange visitors who are not eligible for the programs we offer.

For additional resources and discussions about working with multilingual students, educators can visit the LINCS Community Page and should explore the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards for Adult Education.