Partners in English Langulage Learning (PiELL) provides free one-on-one tutoring of ESL to non-native speakers in Nevada County. All tutors are volunteers which PiELL trains to teach ESL. They offer a two day training session three times a year.

Lost in a Crowd?  This is how hundreds of Western Nevada County Residents with limited English language skills feel when making medical appointments, speaking to doctors and nurses, talking to their children’s teachers, filling out job applications, asking for directions, or reading labels. These hard-working and motivated people represent a growing number of adults living in the community who want to learn or improve their English speaking, understanding, reading, and writing skills.  Plus help on the following:  

• Driver's Licenses
• Citizenship

PIELL has been serving Western Nevada County since 1985 and is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization with more than 50 trained volunteer tutors currently teaching over 45 adult English language learners in the area. They are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and have one paid part-time Program Coordinator.

PiELL offers free individualized language instruction for non-English speaking adult residents of Western Nevada County. Their trained tutors meet students one-on-one, at a time and place that is mutually convenient. One-on-one tutoring optimizes results due to individual attention, repetition, homework, and continuity of follow-up. PIELL's format provides more intense instruction than group classes and often forges lasting friendships between tutor and student. In addition to teaching English, they help their students integrate into the wider community. 

Most students enter the program at a basic beginner or low intermediate level. Anyone 18 or older is welcome. Non-native English speakers are assessed for competency in English, then matched with individual tutors. They commit to meeting with their tutors once or twice a week for a minimum of one year. Their students come from around the world: China, Iran, Honduras, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and Vietnam, to name a few.

Tutors are needed.  No prior teaching experience or foreign language skills are necessary. They have students currently waiting for tutors and if you would like to volunteer 1-2 hours per week as a tutor or learn more about their program, please call (530) 265-2116 or go to their website: www.piell.org.

Any fluent English speaker 18 or older can become a trained English Tutor with PiELL. You will help students learn English and contribute to their successful integration into the community.

​Tutors enroll in workshops of 5-12 people, learning practical techniques for one-on-one instruction in a relaxed setting. They are then matched with individual students. Tutors are mentored and supported by experienced Resource Tutors throughout their volunteer experience with their program.

PIELL conducts training sessions two times each year...in March and September. These sessions are held on 2 consecutive Saturdays from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.


Support for PiELL
We depend on contributions from organizations and individuals. Donations may be general or directed toward specific needs, such as textbooks or tutor training expenses. They also accept in-kind donations of needed items and receive no state or federal funding.

Phone: (530) 265-2116
E-mail: admin@piell.org Web: www.piell.org
Office: 103 Providence Mine Rd., Suite 104B Nevada City, CA 95959
Mailing Address: 578 Sutton Way, PMB 198 Grass Valley, CA 95945

PiELL is a 501(c)3 organization Tax ID: 68-0160848