The International Education Center is a program of the Institute for New Americans (INA). INA was incorporated as a non-profit 501c3 in 1991 with a mission to provide programs for immigrant and refugees in the Twin Cities.
Beginning with an Adult Basic Education program, INA has continued to evolve, develop and implement programs targeted toward specific needs of international teens to seniors.
Timeline of Program History
1991 - Present
Lincoln English Language School
The Lincoln English Language School began as a St. Paul Public School program serving 4 students. Today it is the largest independent community Adult Education Center in Minnesota serving 1500 students annually. This award winning, accredited school is focused on English language acquisition for beginning to advanced language levels.
1996 - 2004
Elders Program
A program to provide socialization for elder Hmong males isolated by their non-proficiency in English, advanced age and difficulty in adapting to a non-agrarian culture. The program provided social activities which facilitated education surrounding healthcare options, American culture, Life skills, etc. The program was funded by Hennepin County and in 2004 the operation was transferred to the Volunteers of America.
1996 - 2007
Abraham Lincoln High School
Founded in 1996 upon request of the Minneapolis Public Schools, the school opened with 2 students. Operated as an alternative High School to serve new arrival immigrant/refugee teens the school grew to serve over 400 students annually. A recipient of national recognition for program innovation the school focused on ESL and English immersion education. In June 2007 the alternative school was closed to facilitate the development of the new International Education Center. Minneapolis Public Schools replicated the Abraham Lincoln HS format into the Wellstone International High School and the Abraham Lincoln HS teachers opened the Lincoln International Charter School.
2007 - Present
International Education Center
The International Education Center opened in July 2007 built on the strong foundation of the Lincoln English Language School as a comprehensive adult education institution. Comprised of five modules the development phase is scheduled to be completed by September 2009.
- Lincoln English Language School – the foundation program continues to operate.
- Corporate Academy - opened in March 2008 providing English language courses to 43 Hennepin County Medical Center employees.
- Washington College Preparatory - Opened in September 2008 offering TOEFL college entrance exam preparation courses.
- Jefferson Adult Academy – opened in September 2008 offering adult diploma programs.
- Franklin Career Center – scheduled to open in September 2009 with career counselors, career workshops, seminars, internships, career training, employment placements, etc.