English Express
About us
English Express provides no-cost adult English language education and citizenship classes to immigrant and refugee families in Humboldt County, connects them to vital resources and helps them build social and community networks that promote resilience and self-sufficiency. Founded in 2016, English Express, a DreamMaker Project of The Ink People, has grown into a trusted community resource. Veteran public school teacher and college professor Mary Ann Hytken built the program from the ground up and takes great joy in connecting with students in her hometown of Eureka and throughout Humboldt County.
What began in local Mexican markets with a folding table and two chairs has since served numerous local immigrants from over 40 countries. English Express is dedicated to helping immigrant families build resilience, access education, healthcare, social services, and economic opportunities, and navigate systems with confidence. Through English Express’ Towards Citizenship program, 60 adults have become U.S. citizens. Thanks to support from local foundations and businesses, fundraisers, individual donors, and a dedicated team of volunteers, English Express—the only program of its kind in Humboldt County—has made a meaningful impact on hundreds of families, many of whom work in jobs essential to our local economy.
In addition to the nuts and bolts of the English language, English Express connects participants to local services and offerings in Humboldt County. Local organizations and services that have made presentations to English Express students include: Paso a Paso, Healthy Kids Humboldt, Jefferson Community Center’s SEEDs program, Centro del Pueblo, CalFresh and the Farmer’s Market Association, Redwood Coast Regional Center, Redwood Curtain Theater, and Northcoast Children’s Services. Enrollment is free.
Find class days and times HERE.
Support English Express Empowered
Learn more at englishexpressempowered.com
Become a Monthly Donor
Join us in empowering English learners in our community! Your monthly gift helps us provide classes, materials, and resources for students who are working hard to build brighter futures.
Donate Today!
Other Ways to Give
Amazon Wish List
Every classroom needs tools that spark learning and creativity. Our Wish List is filled with carefully chosen items that our teachers know will make a real difference for students. By sending a gift, you’re helping create a welcoming space where English learners can thrive.
Link to our Amazon Wishlist coming soon!
Gift Cards
Simple supplies go a long way! Many of our materials come from Dollar Tree, where even small items add up to meaningful support. A Dollar Tree or Amazon gift card helps us keep classrooms stocked with the essentials students need to learn with confidence.
Mailing Address for Gifts & Gift Cards
English Express
c/o Ink People
627 3rd St.
Eureka, CA 95501
