July 8 - July 26
We will provide buses for students registered through Spokane Public Schools to bring you to campus every day and take you back.
Teach and Learn English
The Summer Language program is a holistic program designed to serve the Spokane ESL community while providing opportunities for our various TESOL students to gain hands-on teaching experience.
Our MA TESOL and TESOL Certificate students teach local children STEM-based ESL classes.
The program is a multi-week intensive offered every summer to children from Spokane Public Schools.
The Summer Language Program (SLP) is a free, content-based ESL program for learners from pre-kindergarten to adult. We started the program in 2009 with only 8 students. In 2023, numbers were up considerably, with daily attendance of over 200!
Each of the 10 classrooms has a different, STEM-based curriculum:
| Grade Level |
Curriculum |
| 1st Grade: |
Brick Lab Zoo |
| 2nd Grade: |
Rogue Rodent Mystery |
| 3rd Grade: |
The Science of Superpowers |
| 4th Grade: |
Pirate Camp |
| 5th Grade: |
Oceanic Exploration |
| 6th Grade: |
Flight and Aerodynamics |
| 7th Grade: |
Camp Crime Scene |
| 10th-12th Grade: |
BTECC (Business, Technology, and Career Counseling) & Video Production |
The program is funded through a Refugee Impact grant from School's Out Washington, as well as through course fees for the teacher-training (ELL Endorsement/TESOL Certificate) course for which the SLP is a practicum site.
SLP in the media
Gonzaga language program for ESL students grows in popularity (Drew Gerber • The Spokesman-Review July 28, 2017)
Summer Language Program Brings International Flavor to Gonzaga (Doug Nadvornick • Spokane Public Radio • July 27, 2017)
Gonzaga Summer Language Program Gives Spokane a Very International Feel (Doug Nadvornick • Spokane Public Radio • JULY 25, 2017)
Intercontinental Grammar (Doug Nadvornick • The Inlander • July 05, 2007)
Language camp serves learners and teachers (Shawn Vestal • The Spokesman-Review • July 27, 2005)
The ESL Summer Language Program is an integral feature of the Summer Institute. In conjunction with Spokane Public Schools, the Program provides a unique opportunity for its participants to work with ESL students of various ages, nationalities, and proficiency levels. Included in this enhanced hands-on experience are opportunities for observation, teaching, and participation in social activities with ESL students.
