Partners in English Language Learning

Serving Western Nevada County Since 1986

(Formerly Literacy Council of Nevada County)

A BRIEF HISTORY

The Literacy Council of Nevada County was formed in 1985 as a 501(c)3 non-profit agency, an all-volunteer organization with the objective of providing literacy training for adults. Members of the American Association of University Women (A.A.U.W.) were key founding members of the Literacy Council of Nevada County.

1985—1995       Students were “Basic” literacy learners or individuals who had grown up in this country, but had not yet achieved a usable level of literacy.

1995—1998       The County’s growing English as Second Language (ESL) learners were included in the literacy program, together with the need for additional training courses and materials.

1998                    Partnership with the Library Literacy Service (LLS), a County organization, was formed. The LLS assumed responsibility for the “Basic” learners, and the Literacy Council of Nevada County retained responsibility for the ESL learners.

2000                    Tutors were established in Truckee for both “Basic” and ESL learners.

2002                    In April, the Library Literacy Service assumed responsibility for all literacy learners in the Truckee area, including ESL learners.

2003                    The Lutz building, where we shared quarters with the LLS was sold; the County did not yet have a new budget and was unable to negotiate rent on new quarters. Not limited by the same restrictions, the Literacy Council of Nevada County dissolved the partnership and found quarters at the Scotten Elementary School.

2005                    The Scotten Elementary School no longer had room for us, we moved to the administration building next to Hennessy School.

2006                    The Hennessy administration facilities no longer had room for us, we moved to the Lyman Gilmore Middle School.

2008                    Name change from Literacy Council of Nevada County to Partners in English Language Learning, and new logo. Changes were intended to better represent our role as mentors for both English language learning as well as helping our clients assimilate into the local culture.

                              We now offer four tutor training sessions throughout the year to keep up with the needs of ESL learners. We are proud to be a United Way affiliate.