REGISTRATION OPEN IN JULY FOR FREE ENGLISH-LANGUAGE CLASSES IN SOMERSET COUNTY THIS FALL

Registration is open now through Friday, July 31, for the next cohort of classes for First Steps Basic English, the free English-language learning program for residents of Somerset County. The program, funded through the end of 2026 by the Somerset County Board of Commissioners with American Rescue Plan dollars, is part of the free adult literacy programs for English-language learners in Hunterdon and Somerset counties offered by partners of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board.

First Steps Basic English has served more than 500 individuals since being launched as a pilot in September of 2023. For the fall of 2026, classes and small group instruction will be offered around Somerset County. Locations are in Bound Brook, Franklin Township, Manville, North Plainfield and Raritan Borough.

The program funds a Literacy Navigator, based with the Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County (LVSC). Stella Nieves, the Literacy Navigator, works with applicants to try to place them in the different planned classes and small groups based on the applicant’s residence and program space availability. As participants go through classes, she also continues to work with them and their teachers, to see if the participants’ progress makes them eligible to participate in other literacy programs available through different vendors.

Space is limited for the First Steps Basic English program, and waiting lists are developed. Applicants also may be referred to other literacy services in the county as appropriate.

To register, use the QR code in these flyers(Spanish and English versions) or contact Nieves; email snieves@literacysomerset.org or call 908-864-4936. More details also are available at www.thegrwdb.org/esl.

Providers of the program include LVSC, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) and the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission (HCECS), working with the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB). Libraries throughout the county also support the initiative by providing space for the classes and small-group instruction. These partners are part of the GRWDB’s Literacy Committee, which seeks to share information about and expand the effectiveness of the free literacy programs in both Hunterdon and Somerset Counties.

Other existing literacy programs offered by First Steps partners in Hunterdon and Somerset counties receive separate state and federal funding. Testing and placement are ongoing for these services and conducted in the late summer/early fall and winter. These include:

HCESC: The agency offers a variety of free literacy classes, including English Language Acquisition and high school equivalency classes, in locations around Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. Registration continues on a rolling basis. To register, use the QR code in this flyer. The Spanish-language version of the flyer can be viewed here. For more information, visit www.hunterdonesc.org and click on the Adult Programs/English Classes or High School Equivalency links, or email adultliteracy@hunterdonesc.org.

RVCC: The college offers free and fee-based literacy and English language skills classes, including some targeted to help individuals prepare for in-demand career opportunities. There are separate continuing education and Workforce ESL programs and these classes. To learn more, visit raritanval.edu/esl-courses. For Workforce ESL, contact Maryam.Sheikh@raritanval.edu or 908-526-1200, Ext. 8462. For Adult and Continuing Education programs, contact conrad.mercurius@raritanval.edu or 908-526-1200, Ext. 8332.

Other literacy service providers in Hunterdon and Somerset counties:

LVSC: For more information about other services, including one-on-one tutoring, volunteering or becoming a tutor, call 908-725-5430, or visit LiteracySomerset.org.

Hunterdon Helpline, ESL: Volunteers at Hunterdon Helpline provide free literacy services through custom, one-on-one, barrier-free individual instruction, for beginner to advanced English language levels. To obtain an application, email literacy@helplinehc.com, call 908-782-4357, or visit www.helplinehc.org.

About the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board
The GRWDB oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. More information about these programs can be found on https://www.thegrwdb.org , including stories on initiatives, a Resource tab for job seekers, and an updated calendar of events. Weekly text alerts highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “onestop” to 908-460-8144 to sign up. Email info@thegrwdb.org or call 908-541-5790.