The English Learning Center
The English Learning Center, a 501(c)(3) program of Our Saviour's Community Services in Minneapolis, provides free English language, math, digital literacy, and citizenship classes to 817 adult immigrants and refugees annually from 49 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersMinneapolis, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The English Learning Center does
The English Learning Center (ELC) is a free adult education program operated by Our Saviour's Community Services (OSCS), a Minnesota-incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered at 2315 Chicago Avenue South in Minneapolis. Founded in 1981 by Our Saviour's Lutheran Church as The Language Project and renamed in 1990, the ELC provides English language instruction, math, digital literacy, and citizenship preparation to adult immigrants and refugees. In FY24-25, the ELC served 817 students from 49 countries of origin speaking 35 primary languages and delivered 50,853 hours of instruction, a 20% year-over-year increase in learning hours. The program is volunteer-driven, supported by 161 volunteer teachers who contributed 4,360 hours, and is staffed by licensed adult basic education teachers and bilingual personnel covering up to 13 languages.
The ELC's delivery model combines in-person and online instruction through a synchronized hybrid curriculum. Every classroom is equipped with a Promethean interactive display board used to project digital textbooks, browse the internet, and play educational video and audio. Classes operate Monday through Thursday in morning and evening blocks across seven instructional levels (Foundations through advanced), with specialized modules in citizenship preparation, conversational English, and digital literacy. The ELC sits alongside OSCS's second core program, Our Saviour's Housing (OSH), which runs a 38-bed emergency shelter at 2219 Chicago Avenue South and serves over 100 permanent supportive housing residents—219 total residents were supported across shelter and housing programs in FY24-25.
OSCS's combined FY24-25 revenue totaled approximately $5.73 million, with government grants contributing 50% ($2.85M) and emergency shelter grant proceeds 27% ($1.52M). Earned income from medical respite partnerships and supportive housing rent accounted for 10% ($597K), with the remainder from in-kind contributions (4%), foundation and corporate grants (3%), individual donations (3%), other income (2%), and faith community support (1%). The organization is led by Executive Director Mike Huffman, operates programs across two adjacent South Minneapolis facilities, and recently earned the Platinum Candid Seal of Transparency for nonprofit accountability.
The English Learning Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The English Learning Center
- Legal name
- Our Saviour's Community Services
- Website
- https://oscs-mn.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- The English Learning Center, a 501(c)(3) program of Our Saviour's Community Services in Minneapolis, provides free English language, math, digital literacy, and citizenship classes to 817 adult immigrants and refugees annually from 49 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The English Learning Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Adult Education and Social Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171), Language Schools (611630)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Immigrant/Integration Language Programs (ESL/ESOL, Civics-Integrated) (EDAMAFAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- ESL/ELL Literacy & Academic English Support (EDAMAJAJ), General ESL Programs (Multi-level Adult ESL) (EDAAACAA), English for Citizenship (ESL/Civics Integrated) (EDAAADAC)
Keywords
Where The English Learning Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Minneapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
The English Learning Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Government Grants: Primary funding source representing 50% of revenue ($2,852,234). Includes state funding for adult education programs and Hennepin County shelter services.
- Emergency Shelter Operations: 27% of revenue ($1,520,342) from shelter capital project and emergency shelter grant proceeds.
- Earned Income: 10% of revenue ($596,778) from medical respite partnerships and rent income from permanent supportive housing.
- Individual Donations: 3% of revenue ($162,148) from individual donors, including monthly Changemaker program supporters.
- Foundation and Corporate Grants: 3% of revenue ($182,000) from foundation and corporate philanthropy.
- In-Kind Contributions: 4% of revenue ($255,993) from material donations, volunteer services, and food contributions.
- Faith Community Support: 1% of revenue ($71,672) from faith community partnerships and congregations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free English language education for adult learners |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
The English Learning Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The English Learning Center (ELC) provides free English language education and basic skills classes—including English, math, digital literacy, and citizenship preparation—for adult immigrants and refugees. It operates through the parent nonprofit Our Saviour's Community Services, which also runs Our Saviour's Housing (emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing). ELC delivers instruction across seven levels in both in-person and online modalities, serving approximately 817 students annually from 49 countries.
Product overview
The English Learning Center operates as part of Our Saviour's Community Services, a nonprofit organization offering two core programs: the English Learning Center (ELC) providing free English language education for adult immigrants and refugees, and Our Saviour's Housing (OSH) providing emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing. The ELC uses volunteer teachers and technology-enhanced learning (Promethean boards, online/hybrid classes) to serve 350-817 students annually across multiple class levels. OSH serves approximately 38 shelter guests nightly and 100+ permanent supportive housing residents. The organization is funded by government grants (50%), emergency shelter grant proceeds (27%), earned income, in-kind contributions, foundations, individuals, and faith communities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- English Learning Center (ELC) A free, culturally sensitive English language education program for adult immigrants and refugees, offering classes in English, math, digital literacy, and citizenship preparation across seven instructional levels. The program serves approximately 350-817 students annually through morning and evening classes, in-person and online modalities.
- Our Saviour's Housing (OSH) Emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing services for single adults experiencing homelessness. Provides 38-bed emergency shelter with 24/7 access, three meals daily, and supportive resources, plus permanent supportive housing serving 100+ residents with mental illness, physical disability, or substance use disorder.
- Street Law Program Legal education program delivered by law students from University of St. Thomas and University of Minnesota in partnership with the Minnesota Justice Foundation, teaching adult learners about the U.S. legal system, constitutional amendments, and civic engagement.
- Workplace English Classes Organized online English classes for employees of local businesses interested in learning English, using a partnership-based approach to reach adult learners in their workplaces.
- Permanent Supportive Housing Case Management Case management services for over 100 Permanent Supportive Housing residents maintaining an 18:1 caseload ratio, supporting residents in goals including employment, food access, ID acquisition, and medical services.
Quantifiable outcome
- 817 students enrolled in FY24-25, representing 49 countries and 35 primary languages
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The English Learning Center
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The English Learning Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
The English Learning Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered secondary and core.
- Indigenous Protector MovementsecondaryNonprofit organization expanding to become owners and stewards of St. Stephen's Residence building. Part of landBack movement and community reparation efforts. OSCS will transition operations of this permanent supportive housing building.
- Fairview Health ServicescoreMedical respite partnership providing care and temporary housing for people who are unsheltered. Guests access shelter through this partnership, receiving healthcare services while working toward stable housing.
- People IncorporatedcoreMental health services partnership providing onsite mental health services to shelter guests and additional training for staff to better support mental health needs. 36 guests connected with onsite provider, 73 therapy sessions completed, 18 comprehensive evaluations conducted.
- Minnesota Justice FoundationsecondaryPartnership to bring Street Law educational program to ELC students. University of St. Thomas and University of Minnesota law students teach weekly lessons about U.S. legal system, constitutional rights, and safe interactions with law enforcement.
- Hennepin CountycoreGovernment funding and services partnership including shelter operations, FORTIFY program for backup battery installation, and Coordinated Entry system for housing referrals.
- Our Saviour's Lutheran ChurchcoreFounding organization that established The Language Project (now English Learning Center) in 1981. Historical partnership evolved into legally separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2004. OSLC remains building owner and ex-officio board member.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The English Learning Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- International Institute of Minnesota: St. Paul-based nonprofit providing resettlement, ESL, employment, and integration services for immigrants and refugees in Minnesota. Comparable service mix (ESL + wraparound support) and target population.
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis: Regional Catholic Charities affiliate delivering ESL, immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, and housing programs in the Twin Cities. Directly comparable integrated newcomer-services model.
- Literacy Minnesota: Minnesota-based adult literacy and ESL organization providing free classes to adult learners, including immigrants and refugees. Directly comparable mission, volunteer-driven model, and free student services in the same geography.
- Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota: Faith-rooted Minnesota nonprofit providing refugee services, ESL, employment training, and housing support. Comparable faith-community heritage, geography, and integrated service portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- World Relief: National refugee resettlement and immigrant services organization providing ESL, employment, and integration support across multiple U.S. cities. Broader geographic footprint but directly comparable service mix and target population.
- HIAS: National Jewish refugee resettlement agency offering reception, placement, and integration services including ESL across many U.S. sites. Operates at much larger scale but addresses the same refugee + ESL needs.
Regional players
- Casa de Esperanza: Minnesota-based organization serving Latino immigrant communities with ESL, housing, and family services. Comparable ESL offerings for an immigrant population and Twin Cities geography.
- Pillsbury United Communities: Minneapolis-based community services nonprofit serving the same Phillips/South Minneapolis neighborhoods with education, housing, and wraparound support. Comparable mission and geography, broader program breadth.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The English Learning Center social profiles
Digital presenceThe English Learning Center compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
The English Learning Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The English Learning Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
The English Learning Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The English Learning Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The English Learning Center
What does The English Learning Center do?
The English Learning Center (ELC) provides free English language education and basic skills classes—including English, math, digital literacy, and citizenship preparation—for adult immigrants and refugees. It operates through the parent nonprofit Our Saviour's Community Services, which also runs Our Saviour's Housing (emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing). ELC delivers instruction across seven levels in both in-person and online modalities, serving approximately 817 students annually from 49 countries.
Is The English Learning Center a public or private company?
The English Learning Center is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The English Learning Center founded?
The English Learning Center was founded in 1981.
Where is The English Learning Center based?
The English Learning Center is headquartered in Minneapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does The English Learning Center make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Government Grants are the primary driver. The others are emergency Shelter Operations, earned Income, individual Donations, foundation and Corporate Grants, in-Kind Contributions and faith Community Support.
Who are The English Learning Center's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are International Institute of Minnesota, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Literacy Minnesota and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Broad incumbents are World Relief and HIAS. Regional players are Casa de Esperanza and Pillsbury United Communities.
Does The English Learning Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for The English Learning Center.
What industry is The English Learning Center in?
The English Learning Center's product category is Adult Education and Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMAFAK, Immigrant/Integration Language Programs (ESL/ESOL, Civics-Integrated), with a secondary code of EDAMAJAJ, ESL/ELL Literacy & Academic English Support. Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8200.