The Alberto Hurtado, SJ Center for Learning

A community outreach program of Jesuit High School

(formerly ELO)

The center focuses on adult and youth English language acquisition, computer literacy and youth mentoring. Since 2001, Jesuit High School has been the home of an adult education program for people who want to learn English as a Second Language.  Approximately 150 people from the surrounding Washington County area come to participate in evening ESL classes each year.  First the students are assessed and then placed into the corresponding language level class.  Classes are twice weekly for a 10-week term, with each class lasting two hours. 

In addition to our adult programs, we have a Homework/Mentor component for the children of the Hurtado Center’s students.  Family commitments in the evenings often prevent people from taking ESL classes, and it is our hope that providing this support we will invite and encourage more members of the community to begin and remain participating in the center.  The Homework/Mentor component will be a time for the Jesuit High School students to provide tutoring assistance and mentoring to elementary and middle school children of the center’s students. Our chapter of the Spanish National Honor Society will be helping to initiate this exciting new part of the Hurtado Center!

The Hurtado Center is organized and directed by Ms. Chely Castillo.  While Chely is present at the evening sessions, the classes themselves are taught and tutored by volunteers.  Chely conducts orientation and training sessions for all volunteers regarding teaching methods for working with English language learners.  It goes without saying that this program could not run without significant volunteer help!

The success of this program is directly dependent upon volunteer support.   Many community members have generously and selflessly donated their time and knowledge to the Hurtado Center, and we are truly thankful for them.  But we are always looking for new people to be involved!  We extend the invitation to be a part of the Hurtado Center to faculty, spouses, partners, parents, alumni, and other beloved members of the Jesuit community. 

Here’s how you can be involved:

• Volunteer to teach an ESL class
• Volunteer to tutor an ESL class (please see volunteer form for the difference between these)
• Volunteer to be a part of Homework/Mentor experience

Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required to be a volunteer, as not all of the Hurtado Center students are necessarily native Spanish speakers.   We ask that if you decide you would like to volunteer, please make sure that you can commit to the entire 10-week term.  Details are outlined on the volunteer form.  Click here to access this form.  If you have any questions or concerns, please call Chely Castillo at 503-291-5482  or the Christian Service Office at 503-291-5463