Where the Local Is Global
The Three Rivers Language Center partners with units across campus, including the Teaching English as a New Language program. We also work with community organizations in Northeast Indiana, including Fort Wayne Sister Cities, Catholic Charities, and Fort Wayne Community Schools, among others. Further, we work with partners across the United States and the globe, including the U.S. Department of State, American Indian Development Institute, UNESCO, the Mon National Education Committee, universities across Asia, and many more.
Serving Our Community
Get to know our programs and projects that elevate and support indigenous and non-dominant language communities.
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English Language Partners (ELP) Program
The English Language Partners (ELP) Program is a unique online language teaching and learning experience offered through the Three Rivers Language Center and the TENL program. Students and alumni at Purdue University Fort Wayne lead/co-lead weekly English courses for students and professionals around the world.
Current design of the ELP program:
- American college/university students provide weekly English courses for 8-13 weeks/semester. While these courses are centered on the English language, in practice, tutors promote participants' usage of their L1/mother tongue as a scaffold for learning English.
- Classes are 1-hour long and are held live with a tutor via Zoom, Teams, or other online apps.
- All participants learn about languages and cultures from different parts of the globe.
- ELP Classes run the gamut: We have offered courses in conversation practice, academic English, drama, social media, TOEFL/IELTS preparation, creative writing, hospitality, and more.
- ELP tutors are required to participate in weekly reflection meetings to discuss their practice and lesson materials and share ideas for improving their teaching.
We are constantly innovating and looking for ways to enhance the program. Check back in spring 2025 for additional updates.
Stats as of August 2024
- Over 1,200 individuals have participated in the ELP program
- Countries served to date: Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, India, the Philippines, Japan, China, Ecuador, Ukraine, Pakistan, and the United States (immigrants and refugees residing in the country)
- 72 PFW students and alumni have served as ELP tutors
Contact Us
Mary Encabo Bischoff
ELP Program Director & Creator
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MOOC: Indigenous Languages
Gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop and implement a language plan. Explore how to approach learning, teaching and transmitting Indigenous languages to present and future generations, in a variety of forms and channels. This MOOC was developed in partnership with the University of British Columbia.
Access the free course here: The Indigenous Languages: From Policy and Planning to Implementation and Assessment -
Multilingual Northeast Indiana Gala
In collaboration with alumni from the TENL program, we hosted the Multilingual Northeast Indiana Gala, which celebrated our immigrant and refugee community and educators who serve them. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of our multilingual and multicultural region and promote an appreciation for multilingual families. Approximately 300 guests attended and joined the celebration!
Highlights from the gala can be viewed via the links below:
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Youth Program: Professors and Pathways
The Professors and Pathways program is a multiyear rigorous academic program for high school students (14-17 years old) and adult students (18+ years old). Students receive additional academic and financial literacy support from Purdue Fort Wayne faculty and the Office of Financial Aid. The program is located on the Purdue Fort Wayne Campus.
As of Fall 2024, the program is on hiatus as we work on other Three Rivers Language Center projects.
Contact Us
Mary Encabo Bischoff
Program Director of Professors and Pathways