Teach English to refugees in their homes with CRESL
Visit a refugee family's home for two hours a week to teach conversational English. Free Saturday training, no second language needed.
Why we picked this
You go to their home, two hours a week, and help them learn English. No second language required — just patience and consistency. The program's been running for 40+ years.
The Colorado Refugee ESL Program has been pairing volunteer tutors with refugee families for over 40 years. You visit a refugee family’s home — primarily women with young children, seniors, or people with disabilities who can’t attend classroom-based ESL — for a minimum of two hours per week. You don’t need to speak their language. You teach conversational English, help with practical skills like reading mail and navigating appointments, and build a real relationship over time.
Training is a full Saturday (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) offered six times per year at Emily Griffith Technical College, 1860 Lincoln Street in downtown Denver. It’s free. Once trained, you’re matched with a family in the Denver metro area and commit to at least four months of weekly visits.
Current students come primarily from Burma, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine. Apply through the CRESL website or at refugee-esl.org — once your application is received, you’ll be enrolled in the next scheduled Saturday training.