English Language Learner
English Language Learner (ELL) classes provide instruction in English-language skills including speaking, writing, listening and reading for students whose first language is not English. Managed enrollment classes are designed to help students improve reading and writing skills as well as conversational English. A placement test will evaluate each student’s needs, allowing the instructor to target the areas which will be most beneficial to the student.
Manhattan Tech Adult Learning Center is not an I-20/SEVIS Eligible Program and therefore does not provide credit for any ELL courses. ELL courses at Manhattan Tech are strictly to aid in the development of the English Language for community members.
PROGRAM COST
$20*
Materials Fee Cost: $20
*Recreational Students is $300 per quarter
Upcoming Orientation
Tentative
Late August 2025
START DATES
Monday-Thursday
Variable class times.
Class placement decided by pre-assessment test.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
On Campus Instruction
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
The Manhattan Adult Learning Center is required by the State of Kansas and Federal (AEFLA) guidelines to give priority to new students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The ESL program is intended for those individuals who do not have adequate proficiency in the English language to function as a citizen, employee in the Manhattan community, or the ability to communicate effectively with a child’s teacher.
Individuals who ARE eligible for ESL classes under the AEFLA grant must meet ALL of the following guidelines: be 16 years of age and over; does not have basic listening, reading, writing and/or mathematics skills as determined by scores on the TABE tests; has Visa status compliance (one of the following):
- Citizens of the United States (and their dependents) who do not speak English as their first language
- Refugees and Residents with applicable green card
- Immigrant Visa holder
Recreational Students:
Students enrolling in programs and services who do not qualify under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) grant are considered recreational students. Any student who self identifies as a Non-immigrant Visa Holder is considered a Recreational Student (See below for Non-immigrant Visa Status). Recreational students may apply for enrollment. The fee for Recreational Students is $300 per session, as class space permits. Orientations for Recreational Students occur starting in August 2019 if seating is available.
The chart below contains different purposes for immigrating to the United States, and the related immigrant visa categories for which information is available on this website. Select a visa category below to learn more:
|
Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored |
Visa Category |
|---|---|
|
Spouse of a U.S. Citizen |
|
|
Spouse of a U.S. Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petition |
K-3 * |
|
Fiancé(e) to marry U.S. Citizen & live in U.S. |
K-1 * |
|
Intercountry Adoption of Orphan Children by U.S. Citizens |
|
|
Certain Family Members of U.S. Citizens |
|
|
Certain Family Members of Lawful Permanent Residents |
|
Employer Sponsored – Employment |
|
|---|---|
|
Employment-Based Immigrants, including (preference group):
|
E1 E2 E3, EW3 C5, T5, R5, I5 S (many**) |
|
Religious Workers |
|
|
Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters |
|
|
Iraqis Who Worked for/on Behalf of the U.S. Government |
|
|
Afghans Who Worked for/on Behalf of the U.S. Government |
Important Notes:
*K Visas – Listed with immigrant visas because they are for immigration related purposes.
About this chart - This chart is a list of many immigrant visa categories, but not every immigrant visa category.
**Refer to the Foreign Affairs Manual, 9 FAM 502.1 for a listing of all immigrant visa categories.
Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-re…
MORE INFORMATION...
New Student Orientations
Orientation applications are due the Wednesday before Orientation.
We will start right at the posted time, tardy applicants will have to wait until the next orientation; both days are required. No children/babies will be allowed to accompany students during orientation or classes.
| Join us! | |
|---|---|
| ESL: | Now accepting applications for: Tentative Late August 2025 | 9:00am - 1:00. All days required. |
The Adult Education program is accredited by:
| Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604 Telephone: (800) 621-7440 or (312) 263-0456 Website: https://www.hlcommission.org |
| Kansas Board of Regents 1000 SW Jackson, Ste. 520 Topeka, KS 66612-1321 785.296.3421 |
The Adult Education grant program is unable to provide free services to F1 and J1 visa holders. Please see the Eligibility section for more details.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older at the time of registration.
- Applicants must attend ALL DAYS of orientation.
- GED applicants under 18 years of age must provide official documentation of school withdrawal.
- You can submit this documentation with the students application or drop them off at the welcome desk inside our Manhattan campus main building.
- All new students must register online and GED Students must bring government issued photo ID.
- ID must show your picture, birthday, and have your signature
- Children are not allowed to be in orientation, testing, or classes.
- If there is no availability in an existing class, your name will be placed on a waiting list for another class.
