An estimated 41% of DC workers with low wages are immigrants, but without a command of the English language, career advancement is nearly impossible – and time and money for classes are scarce. So Washington English Center fills the gap, providing excellent and affordable English instruction (in-person and virtual) at convenient hours: four days a week, day and night. A team of more than 350 volunteer teachers and tutors offers a sequence of classes from beginner to advanced, focusing on both written and verbal communication and serving 1,700 students each year. Citizenship preparation and a workforce readiness program further build skills and empower students. For many, WEC is a community as much as a classroom – the place where they learn, connect, and take the first steps toward achieving the American dream.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 2

Age Groups Served: Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; All


  • Number of immigrants served:   Over 1,000 annually
  • Number of volunteers working with Language ETC:   Over 300 each three month term
  • Students that advance to the next ESL level:   80%

Awards & Recognition

Featured in Catalogue for Philanthropy, 2005
Featured in Catalogue for Philanthropy, 2009
Featured in Catalogue for Philanthropy, 2014

Press

  • Not enough English classes as number of limited-English speakers rises
    Fri Sep 20 2013, VOXXI  
    The rise in the number of limited-English speakers and the shortage of English classes is not only happening in Arizona.
    connect here

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Washington English Center is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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