About PBALC
PBALC offers services in the following areas:
English Language Learning (ELL) – Improve English language skills of adults, from beginner to advanced. Citizenship class is also available.
- Learn English in a small class environment or with a one-on-one tutor.
- Online and in-person
- Self-paced online programs
Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) – Encompasses fundamental reading and writing skills.
- Work one-on-one with a tutor to improve your reading and writing skills
- Online and in-person
- Self-paced online programs
Additional Learning Opportunities- Throughout the year, PBALC offers informational and author live streams available on our social media pages, as well as special workshops available to PBALC students on a variety of topics, such as Health Literacy, Resume Building, and Citizenship, and more.
Our Adult Literacy Program utilizes trained volunteer instructors and professional staff to provide individualized instruction for adults 18 years of age and older in one-to-one, small class, and self-paced settings.
Why are PBALC's Services Essential?
Literacy is one of the biggest factors influencing income and employment opportunities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers who have less education than a high school diploma have the lowest median weekly earnings and the highest rates of unemployment. With the help of Ajay, a UT Austin graduate student, we were able to take a closer look at the impact of low literacy here in the Permian Basin.
At PBALC, 71.4% of our students are taking classes with us to improve their education skills in English, and 28% of students are between 35-44 years of age, a key time in life for establishing a career and growing income. However, over 50% of our students report being unemployed, not by choice. PBALC's services are critical to helping these individuals reach their goals through literacy education.

“The instructors are very patient here…and you feel very comfortable asking questions.” Shirley Fox
Program Offerings
One-to-one – A volunteer instructor assists one student in reaching their personal literacy goals. PBALC staff guide the pair in selecting appropriate materials and curriculum that will best help the student. One-to-one meetings take place at approved community locations and online via Zoom.
Small Group Classes – A volunteer instructor or PBALC staff member instructs a small group (6-12 students), focusing on one subject (grammar, pronunciation, general English, etc.). Classes are scheduled in two semesters (16-18 weeks at a time) during the year. Registration dates and times will be posted on the PBALC website and on the PBALC Facebook page as they are scheduled. Small group, and class meetings take place at approved community locations and online via Zoom.
Self-Paced – A PBALC student works independently on one or more of the programs licensed to PBALC. Such programs assist the student in practicing and improving their skills in a variety of areas (reading, language learning, vocabulary building, computer skills, and more). PBALC staff monitor student usage and progress, providing encouragement and support. All program offerings are designed to last one-and-a-half to three hours each week. Self-paced programs can be accessed remotely via internet-enabled devices.