Who We Are
Since 1998, ETP’s experienced, caring teachers have helped almost 2000 children from immigrant and refugee families from at least 30 different countries of origin learn standard English.
- At the students’ schools
- At no cost to their immigrant families
- At no cost to the school
Grounded in Catholic tradition and social teachings, the English Tutoring Project (ETP) provides on-site assistance to children from refugee and immigrant families to acquire English language skills in an environment where all children experience respect for themselves and their culture. ETP is an initiative of the St. Louis Area Women Religious Collaborative Ministries.
The English Tutoring Project is a nonprofit group, begun to help children from immigrant and refugee families to learn English quickly; in a setting where they and their cultures are respected; at a practical time and place.
We began with startup support from the Missouri members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and several foundations.
Demographics for 2021/22
REGIONAL AREAS
27%
Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
Indian
70%
Latino
1%
African
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
Burma
Colombia
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
India
Mexico
Malaysia
Nicaragua
Philippines
Sudan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Our Story
The English Tutoring Project’s steady growth in enrollment and programming since its inception in 1998 demonstrates the on-going need for services and the commitment of the St. Louis Area Women Religious who recognized the need and responded. The support of individuals like you allows ETP to continue to meet the needs of students with programming that works at no cost to students or schools!
Enjoy the video below, it gives you a glimpse of our program now, even if it is from 2014. Some of the persons are no longer part of ETP as student or tutor, but they will always be part of ETP.
Contact us for a visit if you want to see who we are today.
Timeline
1998
English Tutoring Project Begins
In 1998, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious Region X – St. Louis, led by Sister Carleen Reck, SSND, Sister Susan Borgel, CPPS, and Sister Peggy Moore, OSU, created the English Tutoring Project to fill a need for English tutoring services created by an influx of immigrants/refugees arriving in St. Louis South City Catholic schools.
Sister Marilynn Wittenauer, RSM, administrator and tutor, and Sister Jean Greenwald, SSND, tutor, began the program working out of a mobile RV they drove to the schools, as well as classrooms in three schools (St. Pius V, St. Cecilia, Notre Dame Elementary). Resurrection was later added.
2001
New Tutors & Partners
As part of the growing need for services, Sister Rosemary Russell, CPPS, joined the program as tutor in 2001. ETP added services at St. Mary Magdalen and St. John the Baptist, as well as a second RV.
2003
Closures & Changes
From 2003-2006, several elementary schools were closed or consolidated, which affected those schools at which ETP served. St. Pius V and Notre Dame Elementary were consolidated to form St. Frances Cabrini Academy. Resurrection was closed, and St. Mary Magdalen School was consolidated with another school, no longer needing ETP services. ETP discontinued the use of one RV and continued providing services in one mobile RV unit and a classroom in one school. In 2008-2009, ETP added services at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Use of the RV was eliminated in 2009 in favor of established classrooms at each school, providing cost savings to ETP that could be directed toward more services for students.
2015
Three Year Expansion Plan
In the fall of 2015 we implemented the first of a three year plan for expansion.
As a result of continued expansion and development of services we are now partnering with 9 elementary schools in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. Students represent over 35 countries of origin and multiple home languages.
Currently we serve Preschool through Grade 8 students with our in school program. After school services and summer school services are possibilities in the coming years. This program development is in planning stages and will depend on strong volunteers as well as regular staff.
2019
Academic Mentors
In 2019 a pilot program, Academic Mentors, was initiated for high school students. The students are former ETP students or students from multi-lingual homes. Academic Mentors are volunteers. Notre Dame High School in St. Louis County agreed to be the pilot school the first year. In the coming years, this program may be extended to additional High Schools in the area, in particular in St. Louis City.
