Key Milestones in the History of
Partners in English Language Learning
The Literacy Council of Nevada County was formed in 1985 as a 501(c) 3 non-profit agency, an all-volunteer organization with the objective of providing literacy training for adults. Members of the American Association of University Women (A.A.U.W.) were key founding members of the Literacy Council of Nevada County.
1985 – 1995
Students were “Basic” literacy learners or individuals who had grown up in this country, but had not yet achieved a usable level of literacy.
1995 – 1998
The County’s growing English as Second Language (ESL) learners were included in the literacy program, together with the need for additional training courses and materials.
1998
Partnership with the Library Literacy Service (LLS), a County organization, was formed. The LLS assumed responsibility for the “Basic” learners, and the Literacy Council of Nevada County retained responsibility for the ESL learners.
2000
Tutors were established in Truckee for both “Basic” and ESL learners.
2002
In April, the Library Literacy Service assumed responsibility for all literacy learners in the Truckee area, including ESL learners.
2003
The Lutz building, where we shared quarters with the LLS was sold; the County did not yet have a new budget and was unable to negotiate rent on new quarters. Not limited by the same restrictions, the Literacy Council of Nevada County dissolved the partnership and found quarters at the Scotten Elementary School.
2005
Experiencing growth in tutor training and student needs, we moved to a new office next to Hennessy School. We began offering three to four tutor training sessions throughout the year to keep up with the needs of ESL learners.
2007
We needed to find new office space, which we did at Lyman Gilmore School, where we have an office and an excellent resource library of ESL books.
2008
We revised our mission statement to include a cultural partnering with our students and changed the organization’s name to Partners in English Language Learning.
2010 – 2013
We moved two more times due to local schools restructuring and needing more space.
2008
We moved to a new office in a professional office complex at Providence Mine Road, where we have a welcoming atmosphere and an excellent resource library of ESL books..