When Vy Huong Nguyen moved to the U.S. from Vietnam at age 11, her biggest fear was that people would think she was dumb. She didn’t speak English, and the loneliness and anxiety that came from being unable to communicate made school and friendships a daunting prospect. But after a year and a half in an ESL program, things dramatically improved. Now 23, Nguyen is returning the good will she was shown by volunteering as an English tutor with Lincoln Literacy to help others navigate the challenges she once faced.
Lincoln Literacy has been a lifeline for people like Nguyen. Founded in 1972, its mission expanded when Vietnamese refugees began arriving in Lincoln after the Vietnam War ended in 1975. And the number of students served has only grown since then — up 90% in just two years! In 2023 alone, Lincoln Literacy taught 1,663 students from 75 countries. The fifthmost-served population was Vietnamese immigrants.
Lincoln Literacy relies on volunteers and workplace partnerships, where companies fund English classes for employees during work hours. People like Nhung Phan, who was able to resume learning English at Bryan East after being forced to stop to take care of her sick husband, prove how important and necessary these programs are for so many.
The future is bright. For the first time, there is a waiting list to get into classes. Lincoln Literacy hopes to eliminate that list in 2025 by increasing its operation from 14 workplace sites to 17, as well as train more tutors to meet the increased demand for language and workplace classes. There are also plans to introduce a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program.
With passionate volunteers and community support, Lincoln Literacy is helping people thrive — one word at a time.
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