HEPL Literacy Program

Adult Basic Education | English Literacy/ESL Life Skills | GED En español (317) 770-3251

What is Literacy?

Literacy is about more than being able to read. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 suggests a broader view of literacy as "an individual's ability to read, write, speak in English, compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual and in society."

Whether an adult learner has goals in these or other areas, the mission of the HEPL Literacy Program is to tailor a learning environment to each individual that best supports them in realizing their dreams.

The HEPL Literacy Program provides one-on-one tutoring for individuals seeking to enhance their life choices and opportunities. We also provide classes in English Literacy (also known as English as a Second Language). GED classes are also available through cooperation with the Noblesville Public School System.

Literacy Class Calendar

Class Descriptions

"Let's Talk!"
"Let's Talk!" is an informal English conversation class, where participants are encouraged to discuss topics of the day. Members also engage in guided discussion exercises. This class is a fun way for non-native English speakers of ALL levels to practice their English skills in a comfortable, supportive atmosphere. (B, I, A)

English for Spanish Speakers
English for Spanish Speakers is a class for Latinos with very basic English skills. A bilingual teacher helps students practice basic vocabulary and grammar.

The American Accent 1
The American Accent is the study and practice of American English speaking patterns. Learners review intonation, word-linking, and how Americans use the mouth and other facial muscles while talking. Participants also study the differences in spoken and written English. LEARNERS WHO TAKE THIS CLASS MUST HAVE AN INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED UNDERSTANDING OF ENGLISH. (I, A)

The American Accent 2
The American Accent is the study and practice of American English speaking patterns. Learners review intonation, word-linking, and how Americans use the mouth and other facial muscles while talking. Participants also study the differences in spoken and written English. LEARNERS WHO TAKE THIS CLASS MUST HAVE HAD American Accent 1. (I, A)

English as a Second Language: Basic Grammar/Conversation
Learners will study basic English grammar, including verb tenses, vocabulary, and common usage. This class is primarily for Beginning English speakers, but it also provides good review for Intermediate-Advanced English speakers. (B, I, A)

Intermediate Grammer
Intermediate grammar is an opportunity for intermediate-advanced English learners to learn and apply grammar in a group setting. We also practice community-based dialogs (language for going to the doctor, talking with teachers, etc.

TOEFL Preparation
This class is designed to help people prepare for the Test Of English as a Foreign Language exam. Participants will complete listening and writing assignments, and will practice advanced grammar exercises. The TOEFL is for students from other countries who plan on attending an American college or university. (A)

B= Beginning or New English speaker; understands 30-40% of what s/he hears or reads
I= Intermediate English speaker; can engage in a simple conversation with a native English speaker; understands 55-65% of what s/he hears or reads.
A= Advanced English speaker; can engage in a complex conversation with a native English speaker; understands 70-100% of what s/he hears or reads


What Can I Do To Help?

The HEPL Literacy Program has many opportunities available for people like you - people who want to help.

Learners - As a growing program, we are always looking for enthusiastic adults who are eager to learn! Tutoring services are free and confidential. If you, or someone you know, wants to learn and improve basic skills, please stop in, call, or fill out our online form.

Tutors - Interested volunteers who want to support adults in improving basic skills can tutor one-on-one, or in a classroom setting. Please fill out our online form, or contact us for more information.

Contributors - As an advocate of Adult Literacy, your financial support is crucial. Learners are not charged for any Literacy or Tutoring services; we depend wholly upon contributions and grants to operate. The HEPL Literacy Program recognizes and appreciates corporate and individual donations. For further information, call 317-770-3251. You may also download and print our donation form:

• Microsoft Word Document (.doc)
• Rich Text Format (.rtf)
• Plain Text (.txt)

Other Classes in the Community

Conner School
ESL Classes and GED preparation available at 317-773-1785

• ESL: Monday & Wednesday 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
  Tuesday & Thursday 12:00 - 2:30 p.m.
• GED: Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Noblesville

Hilltop School
Ongoing ESL & GED classes
For more information, call 317-259-5275
1915 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis

IPS ESL Classes/ Clases de Inglés de la Escuela Pública de Indianapolis
Contact for ESL classes: Elvira Martinez 226-4423
Contact for GED preparation: 226-4536 GED Preparation classes every day.

DAY CLASS SESSIONS DAILY FOR ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND LANGUAGE/Tres horarios de clases cada día
8:15 A.M. - 10:15 A.M., 10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M., 1:15 P.M. - 3:15 P.M.

• Hawthorne Community Center Mon.-Fri. 2440 W. Ohio St. 637-4312
• Hope Education Center Mon.-Fri. 1301 E. 16th St. 226-4665

EVENING CLASS SESSIONS FOR ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND LANGUAGE/Clases de Inglés por la noche

• Broad Ripple High School M/W 6:00-9:00 P.M. 1115 Broad Ripple Ave. 693-5726
• La Plaza M/W 5:00-8:00 P.M. 8902 E. 38th St. 890-3292
• La Plaza T/TH 5:00-8:00 P.M. 8902 E. 38th St. 890-3292
• Emmerich Manual H.S. T/TH 6:00-9:00 P.M. 2405 S. Madison Ave. 226-2231
• George Washington C.S. T/TH 5:00-8:00 P.M. 2215 W. Washington St. 639-5553
• Gambold Middle S. #108 M/W 4:30-7:00 P.M. 3727 Kiel Ave. 226-4536