Confidence Through Experience: Supporting ESL Students

The Endowment Project Foundation (TEPF), is proud to announce a grant to support J.R. Tucker High School’s ESL Welcome Center, which provides real-world learning opportunities to help students adjust to life in a new country.

J.R. Tucker High School serves as the official ESL Welcome Center for Henrico County, welcoming students from around the world and helping them acclimate to their new home. Many of these students have had their education disrupted—some arriving with little or no English proficiency, others having spent time in refugee camps before coming to the U.S. Beyond language barriers, they are also learning to navigate a new culture, often without guidance on the everyday skills that many take for granted.

This program helps students gain confidence in essential life skills through experiential learning opportunities, such as:

• Restaurant visits to practice reading a menu, placing an order, and understanding table etiquette.

• Museum trips to introduce students to American cultural spaces and expectations.

• Grocery store visits to learn how to shop independently.

• Public transportation practice to help students navigate their community.

Without these opportunities, many students would struggle to integrate into daily life, leaving them feeling isolated. Educators at Tucker have seen firsthand how these experiences build confidence and a sense of belonging, preparing students for school, work, and life.

We’re honored to support this initiative and look forward to seeing it grow, ensuring more students gain the skills they need to thrive.

If you would like to learn more about this initiative, please reach out to Lily Elias: lelias@endowmentproject.com