ROCKLAND — Penobscot Bay Language School continues to offer free English classes and tutorials to all New Mainers. Students can learn in-person at PBLS' new location, 17 Walnut Street in Rockland, or online.

This is the fifth year of the school’s program entitled “Free English for New Mainers”, with certified ESL teachers helping non-native speakers become integrated members of the community, according to the school, in a news release.

If you or someone you know needs help with English language learning, contact PBLS on WhatApp, at 207-594-1084 or email info@penobscot.us.

"Free English for New Mainers was launched in 2021 with generous grant funding from various charitable foundations; the current economic situation has made grant funding much more competitive and harder to get," said the school. "Many generous private donors keep the program afloat."

To support this program as a donor or volunteer please visit www.penobscot.us.

In addition to English classes, the school offers instruction in multiple foreign languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese (and more).

"Language study is known to improve mental capacity, and it is never too late to start," said PBLS.

Summer session classes begin the week of June 1. The school also organizes small-group language and cultural immersion trips to Spain, France, Italy, and Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina. There are trips scheduled for this fall. 

Visit the PBLS website to learn more about all of PBLS’ special summer events including French movie nights, a multicultural festival at Riley School, July 18; the local in-person French immersion day, July 24; Spanish language and world cultures day camps for children in August, followed by a full week of Spanish immersion for adults, and more.