Success Stories

“When I started to study the English language, my life changed.

English helped me to communicate with people and make new friendships. My life has become beautiful and easier. I use English everywhere: in shopping, at the doctors, in school and at the playground. I started volunteering in school. Now I am a volunteer and I am very happy. My plan is to study English always. I do not want to stop! I want to stay in America and continue to study English and improve my social and professional life. I am an electrical engineer and I want one day to work in my profession.”

- Jelena, LCNV Literacy Program


“This program is giving me a chance to finish high school.

It will give me an opportunity to continue my studies and become a Dialysis Technician, which has been my lifelong dream. Also, it gives me the confidence to help my kids with their homework.”

- Ana, Fairfax GED

 “When I started to study the English language, my life changed.

English helped me to communicate with people and make new friendships. My life has become beautiful and easier. I use English everywhere: in shopping, at the doctors, in school and at the playground. I started volunteering in school. Now I am a volunteer and I am very happy. My plan is to study English always. I do not want to stop! I want to stay in America and continue to study English and improve my social and professional life. I am an electrical engineer and I want one day to work in my profession.”

- Jelena, LCNV Literacy Program


 Returning to school is the best decision I have made.

This program has helped me a lot to improve my English, reading and writing skills and also bring back everything that I learned 20 years ago. I feel very happy because I can help my kids with their homework. Thank you to my teachers for their great work.”

- Silvia, NEDP Program

“I can now budget my money on my own instead of asking a friend.

I can help my family with their bills and bank accounts and how to stay out of debt and understand paystubs. Now I am better able to help my children with their homework and can communicate better with their teachers. I can be more involved in their school as a result of my newfound confidence.”

- Maria, Fairfax ESOL


 “I am clearly more independent, and learning English is giving me the chance to change my life, to get a better job, and to go forward.

When I came to the United States from Bolivia, I was not able to speak, read, or write any English. When I got my first job, I was in a big problem because of my lack of English. [My boss] sent me to English class at Northern Virginia Community College, but it was too high level for me. Then I found LCNV. It was the right level for me, where I learned the three powerful tools: how to speak, read, and write properly. Learning English [at LCNV] gave me new opportunities in my life to speak with my boss better...and to help people in need. For example, now I can [help] translate in the grocery store. The teachers [at LCNV] are excellent.”

- Alejandrina, LCNV Literacy Program