Education Classes
Adult Immigrant and Refugee Classes
Immigrant and Refugee Community Services
LSI offers a variety of classes and workshops for adult learners with immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Classes and workshops are taught in English unless otherwise noted.
Classes are announced on our social media pages.
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Classes
Take pre-English literacy to low-intermediate English classes to improve your language, social, and cultural awareness skills. Community-Based English Language Learner classes (CBELL) are designed for adult learners with immigrant or refugee backgrounds.
The class includes an initial assessment to recommend where to begin your English learning journey. A variety of times and days are offered. Classes are taught in English.
Where: Des Moines
Length: Classes are 4 – twice per week – 2 hours each time.
Cost: Free
Questions / Register: Call 515.271.7320 or email Immigrantresources@lsiowa.org. Assessments are done by appointment approximately one month before the start of a new class session. Contact us to set up your assessment appointment.
Funded by the Refugee Supplemental Support Service grant through the State of Iowa and in partnership with the United Way of Central Iowa.
As a part the Community Integration Services, the Citizenship class is provided to eligible clients in Polk County area. It helps prepare clients for the U.S. Naturalization exam to become a U.S. Citizen. The class will help participants study for the U.S. history, verbal naturalization interview, the reading and writing portions, and the 100 questions you may be asked during the interview.
Participants must be a legal permanent resident at least five years or more when applying. The program DOES NOT provide legal services for the application for citizenship, but it can refer clients to accredited agencies or clinics.
Class is taught in English. Tutoring services are available.
Where: Des Moines and online (anywhere in Iowa)
Length: 10 weeks
Cost: Class is $20, we accept cash or check only.
Questions / Register: Call 515.271.7320 or email immigrantresources@lsiowa.org. You may contact us in advance to register at any time.
Learn about living and working in America, which will help you integrate into the community. This class covers various topics including financial literacy, employment, and U.S. and local laws and regulations.
A community tour helps celebrate the end of each class session. A variety of times and days are offered. Classes are taught in English with some major language group support.
Where: Des Moines
Length: 4 weeks
Cost: Free and gift card upon completion is available for eligible participants.
Questions / Register: Call 515.271.7320 or email immigrantresources@lsiowa.org. You may contact us in advance to register at any time.
Learn about basic digital literacy skills in this class, which covers a range of topics from learning how to use different applications to successfully utilize online services. Participants will be introduced to using email, social media, and the internet for job searches or doctor appointments and more. It also includes an introduction to Microsoft and Google software.
Classes are offered on Friday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Classes are taught in English.
Where: Des Moines
Length: 6 weeks
Cost: Free and gift card is available upon completion of the course for eligible students.
Questions / Register: Call 515.271.7320 or email immigrantresources@lsiowa.org. You may contact us in advance to register at any time.
Learn about different careers that are open to you in the U.S. Each workshop focuses on a different type of career, including a guest speaker from the community. The career topic is generally announced a few weeks before the workshop.
This workshop is typically offered each month on a Saturday morning, although dates and times may vary. It is presented in English with limited language interpretation.
Where: Des Moines
Length: 2 hours
Cost: Free
Questions / Register: Call 515.271.7320 or email immigrantresources@lsiowa.org to register or to learn about upcoming workshops. Spots are limited to the first 20 people who sign up for each workshop. Ask about interpretation when you register.
Thank you to the United Way of Central Iowa for partnering with us.
Learn about money and finances in the U.S. Participants will learn how to set financial goals, how banks can help you achieve your goals, and how to develop good savings habits. The workshop will also discuss how credit and loans operate in the U.S. and the difference between credit and debit.
This workshop is offered occasionally. Dates and times may vary. Limited interpretation is provided. Transportation is not provided.
Where: Des Moines
Length: 2 hours
Cost: Free
Questions / Register: Email immigrantresources@lsiowa.org. Ask about interpretation when you register. You may contact us in advance to learn about when this workshop is offered next.
Thank you to the SBA and the United Way of Central Iowa for partnering with us.
Learn about the car buying process in the U.S. Participants will learn how and what they need to buy a car in the United States.
This workshop is offered occasionally. Dates and times may vary. Workshops may be presented in specific languages, which are announced a few weeks before the workshop. Transportation is not provided.
Where: Des Moines
Length: 2 hours
Cost: Free
Questions / Register: Email immigrantresources@lsiowa.org. Ask about interpretation when you register. You may contact us in advance to learn about when this workshop is offered next.
Thank you to the SBA and the United Way of Central Iowa for partnering with us.
Learn about starting or growing a small business in the U.S. Business workshop topics vary based on interest. The business topic is generally announced a few weeks before the workshop. The workshops are offered in partnership with the Small Business Administration.
This workshop is offered occasionally. Dates and times may vary. Limited interpretation is provided. Transportation is not provided.
Where: Des Moines
Length: 2 hours
Cost: Free
Questions / Register: Email immigrantresources@lsiowa.org. Ask about interpretation when you register. You may contact us in advance to learn about when this workshop is offered next.
Thank you to the SBA and the United Way of Central Iowa for partnering with us.
Questions
For questions, email immigrantresources@lsiowa.org.