English Learning in North Dakota
Building English skills opens doors - to better jobs, stronger careers, and deeper community connection. North Dakota offers a structured, supported way to build those skills, whether you're starting out or advancing toward a specific career goal. This page connects you to the programs that fit your situation.
Why English Skills Matter
English skills are one of the strongest predictors of career advancement, workplace success, and community belonging - for workers, for the businesses that hire them, and for the towns where they live. The data is consistent across U.S. employers and learners.
What Stronger English Skills Make Possible
Workplace success. Confidence to communicate with coworkers and supervisors, follow safety guidance, ask questions, and contribute fully on the job.
Career advancement. Access to training programs, certifications (CNA, CDL, early childhood education, healthcare), and promotions that require English proficiency.
Community integration. Easier interactions at schools, clinics, government offices, and in everyday community life — for you and your family.
Who are You?
Three groups use this page - workers and learners building their own skills, employers offering English support to their teams, and community organizations connecting clients to programs. Pick the path that fits.
I want to improve my English
I'm a worker, job seeker, or recent arrival looking to build English skills for work and daily life.
I want to support my team's English skills
I'm an employer looking to provide English learning to my workers - for retention, productivity, and growth.
I want to connect clients to English programs
I'm with a community organization, school, or service provider helping clients access English learning.
Featured Program: EnGen
Free, mobile-first, career-aligned English learning — available statewide.
Through a partnership with the Global Talent Office, EnGen is now available at no cost to North Dakota workers, employers, and community organizations. EnGen offers 170+ career-aligned English courses tailored to in-demand North Dakota jobs — including CNA, CDL, early childhood education, and more — plus live online workshops, multilingual coaching, and digital literacy support, all accessible from a phone, tablet, or computer.
WHAT IT IS
An online English learning platform built for working adults
- 170+ career-aligned English courses (CNA, CDL, early childhood, healthcare, manufacturing, more)
- On-demand lessons you can do in 10-minute chunks
- Live online workshops with certified teachers
- Multilingual coaching to help you progress
Works on phone, tablet, or computer
WHO CAN USE IT
Open to anyone living or working in North Dakota
- Workers wanting to improve workplace English
- Job seekers preparing for in-demand careers
- Refugees and recent arrivals
- Employees whose company partners with GTO
Adult learners enrolled at a North Dakota Adult Learning Center
HOW TO ACCESS IT
Free - costs are covered by GTO
- If you're enrolled at an ALC: ask staff to register you for EnGen
- If you're a refugee or recent arrival: enrollment is coordinated through your Community Connector
- If you're an employer: GTO can provide seats for your team - contact us
- If you're a community organization: GTO can provide seats for your clients - contact us
Direct sign-up details: getengen.com
If You're a Worker or Learner
Building English skills for work and life
North Dakota has two main paths to building English skills: free online learning through EnGen, and free in-person classes at Adult Learning Centers across the state. Many learners use both.
What to expect when you start
- An assessment to find your starting level. Whether you start with EnGen online or with an Adult Learning Center, you'll do a brief assessment so the program can match content to your current English level.
- Goal-setting that fits your life. Whether your goal is workplace English, a specific job certification (CNA, CDL, etc.), or U.S. citizenship preparation, the program will be shaped around what you need.
- Flexibility to fit work and family. EnGen lessons can be done in 10-minute chunks on your phone. ALC classes are typically scheduled in evenings and at times that work around shift work.
- Cost: free. Both EnGen and Adult Learning Center classes are free for North Dakota residents.
Find an Adult Learning Center near you
North Dakota's Adult Learning Centers offer free English classes (ESL/ELL), GED preparation, and citizenship preparation. They're located in eight regions across the state. Walk-in or call to enroll.
REGION 1 · WILLISTON Williston ALC | REGION 2 · MINOT Minot ALC | REGION 3 · DEVILS LAKE Devils Lake ALC | REGION 4 · GRAND FORKS Grand Forks ALC |
REGION 5 · FARGO Fargo ALC | REGION 6 · VALLEY CITY Valley City ALC | REGION 7 · BISMARCK Bismarck ALC | REGION 8 · DICKINSON Dickinson ALC |
GTO can help you understand your options - EnGen, in-person classes, or both - based on your goals, location, and schedule.
If You're an Employer
English support for your team
English upskilling is a workforce development investment - and the data shows it pays back. Workers who participate report higher confidence, stronger job skills, and dramatically higher retention with their employer. For ND employers in healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and ag in particular, EnGen offers a turnkey way to support your team's English skills with minimal lift.
Why employers offer English learning
- Retention. 84% of EnGen learners are more likely to stay with the employer who provides the program. Reducing turnover is one of the highest-return investments an ND employer can make right now.
- Productivity & safety. Workers who can communicate confidently in English perform better, follow safety guidance more consistently, and contribute more in team settings.
- Career mobility. Workers gaining English skills become candidates for promotions, certifications, and roles that strengthen your internal pipeline.
- ROI. EnGen analysis shows $6 in economic impact for every $1 invested. For employers, the program is offered at no cost — GTO covers the seats.
How to get EnGen seats for your team
Through GTO's partnership with EnGen, North Dakota employers can request seats at no cost for incumbent workers and new hires. The process is straightforward:
- Contact GTO to request seats. We'll talk through your team size and learning goals.
- GTO sets up your organization on EnGen. Your team gets enrollment instructions and login credentials.
- Your workers start learning. On their phones, on shift breaks, at home — wherever fits their schedule.
- Optional: progress reports and live workshops. EnGen can provide aggregate progress data and offer live online workshops for your team.
Contact GTO to request seats and get your organization set up. The program is free for ND employers.
If You're a Community Partner
Connecting your clients to English programs
Community-based organizations are often the first point of contact for newcomers building English skills. GTO partners with CBOs across the state to make sure clients have access to both EnGen seats and in-person ALC enrollment - without your team having to navigate the system from scratch.
Two pathways for your clients
- EnGen for organizational use. GTO can provide EnGen seats your CBO distributes to clients. Useful for clients who can't attend in-person classes due to schedule, transportation, or child care.
- Adult Learning Center referrals. All 8 ND ALCs accept walk-in or referred clients. Refugee arrivals are enrolled within their first 10 days through Community Connector services.
- Statewide EnGen Lead. Aimee Geurts at the Bismarck Adult Learning Center coordinates rural EnGen onboarding. Reach out to her or to GTO if you have clients in rural areas.
GTO works with CBOs across North Dakota to streamline access to both EnGen and ALC programs. Let's talk through what your clients need.
Talk to a GTO Representative
Whether you're a worker exploring options, an employer thinking about your team, or a partner looking to coordinate - GTO can help you find the right fit.
OFFICE:
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Workforce Development Division
P.O. Box 2057
Bismarck, ND 58502-2057