Learning in Style

The mission of Learning in Style is to provide quality education in English, Math, Computer and Citizenship to adult immigrants and refugees in our metropolitan areas and beyond. Established in 1994, LIS provides a safe, inviting and supportive environment, fosters learning suited to a mix of ethnicity and

promotes multicultural tolerance and respect. Personalized placement offers the students the tools needed to thrive in this new culture.

In both mission and ministry, LIS functions from within the charism, tradition and expertise of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

History

Learning in Style opened its doors at St. Stephen's Parish, Minneapolis, in 1994 for the purpose of assisting local adults in correcting their weak education backgrounds. In one year, things changed. LIS moved to Calvary Church in the Whittier neighborhood; the burgeoning immigrant population supplied the entire student body. In the next ten years LIS has registered over 2,600 students from four continents.

These new students vary widely in their educational experiences from none at all to college degrees - all seeking that most vital key to their desire for safety, freedom, stability, opportunity and progress - the English language.

Teaching English is the main focus of LIS, but classes in Math, Computer, Citizenship and one-on-one conversation skills are

offered as well.

The instructors and administrators of LIS, though increasing from four to twenty plus, have consistently been Sisters of St. Joseph, Consociates and friends. Among the latter we include St. Joseph Workers, Jesuit novices and interns from area colleges.

Along the way LIS joined the Minneapolis Public School Consortium of ABE ( Adult Basic Education ) thus gaining access to some state and federal funding for this vital work. This funding, together with donations and grants, allows us to offer our programs at no charge to our students and affords us the benefit of research and advances in teaching of English as a Second Language.