Many outcomes and achievements in a community English program like ours are intangible: Do learners feel more confident interacting in English? Are they more able to advocate for themselves and their families? Do they feel accepted and valued in the community? Although those factors are difficult to measure, both anecdotal student feedback and outcome data suggest a resounding "yes!"
The National Center for Educational Research found that most adult ESL learners persist less than 7 months in their English language courses.
In comparison, in 2024-2025, 60% of the 668 students served during the year were still attending classes in May. Additionally, 41% of all this year's students were returning for at least their second year of BLC classes.
Given our students' often challenging life circumstances, this points to their satisfaction with the English instruction as well as the sense of belonging they feel with the BLC community.
In terms of advances in English fluency, 71% of 2024-2025 students in Levels 0 - 4 progressed to the next level. We feel that this promotion rate is appropriate for our community. It indicates demonstrable progress for the large majority of students. It also indicates that we are paying close attention to the needs of each learner.
Student from Korea, level 3
I cannot thank you enough. It is truly a blessing for me to meet you through BLC ESOL classes. Through you, I am learning not only English, but also a humble attitude of caring and serving those in need with love.
During the past year and a half I have lived here in the United States, the feelings of inferiority, shrinkage, and low self-esteem that I felt due to the lack of language skills, which are the basic elements of life, were feelings that I had never felt before in Korea. Whenever I felt like that, your warm words of encouragement and support gave me a lot of strength and confidence. Also, I am always touched and challenged by the way you passionately teach esol students.
Hung - student from China, level 5
I really appreciate your great class and excellent teachers. They helped me to understand the culture and the life in American and develop confidence to deal with people and basic issues in the daily life.
Lana - student from Ukraine, level 1
Thanks to the BLC classes, it is much easier for me to understand people. With the help of these courses, I have developed my communication skills among Americans, although my English level was zero before. Thanks to BLC school and their teachers.
Student from Iran, level 5
As you know, I have no family or friends in Oregon. When I came here I had to stay at home most of the time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, your classes not only made me not feeling lonely but it also helped me to improve my English language and learn more. I have always told you that your class is not just an English class but everybody can get lots of useful social, cultural, historical, etc. information about the US. So, thank you for:
Giving me the opportunity to attend BLC classes.
Caring, listening, guiding and everything you are doing for us.
I have no words to express how grateful I am to know BLC.
Student from China, level 4
Thank you give us those thoughtful and meaningful topics. I have started to think many things from my past, present and future. This class builds my confidence. And I have met nice teachers and classmates! The class /BLC program are helping many people during the difficult time ( struggling /emotion/isolation)! It is not only English…..
Magda, student from Mexico, Introduction to English
Thank you so much for caring.
Shakilla - student from Afghanistan, Level 1
I told my husband that I love my teacher.
Romina, student from Argentina, level 4
I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to participate, last January, in Richard's level 4 classes. It was an exceptional experience for me and at the same time a surprise for the quality of these classes. I also mentioned this to Mr. Richard because I feel he needs to know that his classes provide the student with a motivation and fun way to learn while also improving our English.
... in the BLC Student Newsletter