Summer 2025 dates:
July 6 - 24
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)
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.
