CIELO started English as a Second Language classes in January 2011 in Yelm.

The project began with a generous grant from the Nisqually 2% Fund, which funded the first two sessions. This autumn, our classes are being funded by the JZ Knight Humanitarian Fund and Ostrom Mushrooms. Ostrom’s is also offering scholarships for their workers which cover the class fee. These classes have also been made possible by our host, Yelm Community Services (YCS) who are celebrating their 40th year. Every week, the wonderful staff there welcomes us with a smile.

Our gratitude goes out to all of the individuals in these organizations who have proven themselves to be allies and leaders; sharing the objective of enhancing the quality of life in our communities.

Our students are an amazing and diverse group of people from unique and beautiful places all over the world; from the Sea of Japan to the Antilles Islands. Our classes are fun and exciting not only because we enjoy teaching and filling this linguistic need but because of the opportunities for cultural exchange that the classes create,” quoting CIELO’s December Newsletter.
Read more from Friends of C.I.E.L.O. [Centro Integral Educativo Latino de Olympia], Promoting community, self-sufficiency and leadership.