Empowering Adults Through English Literacy
Founded in 2006, the Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL) emerged from a community-driven initiative aimed at addressing the needs of the growing limited English proficient (LEP) population in Montgomery County, Maryland. In response to a significant demand for English language education, a coalition of county officials, community leaders, and educational providers came together to create a coordinated approach to adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programs. This collaboration was born out of a comprehensive study that revealed a lack of coordination among existing programs, which left thousands of individuals on waitlists for classes.
Today, MCAEL serves approximately 11,000 adults annually, providing essential English language instruction that empowers individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Despite this achievement, there remains a vast number of residents who would benefit from these programs, highlighting the ongoing need for support and resources.