NYC BRANCH NEWSLETTER
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION
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Introducing the ESU Educator Membership
We are proud to announce our new Educator Membership, offered exclusively to teachers involved in TLab, the National Shakespeare Competition, Middle & High School Debate and other ESU education programs. Benefits include:
- Access to exclusive professional development workshops - including Music in Shakespeare, live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in January
- Special curriculum resources and lesson plans
- Discounted tickets to the National Shakespeare Competition
- Preferred rates at the Shelburne Sonesta Hotel in NYC
- Exclusive discounts on select Broadway shows
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Membership Office Hours:
February 23 at 6:00-7:00PM EST
Click Here
March 30 at 6:00-7:00PM EST
Click Here
April 20 at 6:00-7:00PM EST
Click Here |
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION |
Discover. Connect. Thrive. With the English-Speaking Union.
At the English-Speaking Union (ESU), we champion the power of the English language to bring people together—across borders, cultures, and generations. Language is more than communication; it’s a gateway to understanding, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
This is an especially exciting moment to be part of the ESU. As we celebrate the Legacy Event at the ESU House, launch our Capacity Building Campaign, and prepare for the nation’s 250th Anniversary with programs and events across the country, our work—and our community—continues to grow.
From students and educators to lifelong learners and globally curious individuals, the ESU offers meaningful ways to engage. Through workshops, speaker programs, exchanges, and special celebrations, you’ll find opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute.
Stay connected for upcoming events and initiatives, and join us as we build lasting friendships, exchange ideas, and advance global citizenship.
Join the ESU—where language inspires connection and community flourishes. |
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ESU INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS |
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ESU LUARD MORSE SCHOLARSHIP
Congratulations to Stanley Scott! An Economics Major with a Political Science Minor at Howard University, Stanley embodies the intellect, curiosity, and drive that the ESU Luard Morse scholarship represents. Stanley will receive $30,000 toward a semester of study at a university in the United Kingdom during the 2026-27 academic year. Given his strong academic and leadership track record, we are confident that Stanley will excel during his semester abroad. The Scholarship Finalists included three other exceptional sophomore students: Nadia Spencer (Spelman College), DeAnna Nichols (Xavier University of Louisiana), and Jaymey Nutter (University of Maryland Eastern Shore). The finalists were honored with a celebratory dinner and jazz at Birdland and dessert at the Penn Club, hosted by Luard Morse Scholarship Alumni Duane Hughes and Jill Richardson. Following their interviews the next morning, the Finalists enjoyed lunch with Scholarship alumni who shared their experience in the UK and how the scholarship continues to positively impact their lives.
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ESU SECONDARY SCHOOL EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP (SSE)
The ESU SSE Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship providing tuition and room and board for scholars to spend a year between high school and college at a British boarding school. During this "Gap Year," these young scholars have new academic and social experiences in another country and culture. Through their year abroad, the SSE scholars gain independence, a global outlook, and increased maturity that benefits them at college and in their future careers.
DUE March 1
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ESU TRAVEL & LEARN ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS (TLab)
"To Study in the UK this Summer or not to . . . that is the Question!"
Applications are due March 1st for teachers to apply for the ESU New York City Branch Scholarships to study in the UK in the summer of 2026!
Experience the ultimate professional development at 1-3 week UK Summer Study programs next July at Oxford, Edinburgh, Shakespeare's Globe in London, and Stratford-upon-Avon.
For Scholarship Applications & more information, go to
or email auhl@esuus.org |
ESU Middle School Debate Classes!
February is filled with NYC students taking introductory Debate classes in-person at the ESU and also online!
Welcome to NYC students who will be studying from some of the best ESU New York Debate League instructors, Nick Smart and Grace Campos.
Classes are taking place at the ESU afterschool every Wednesday and on Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday night through the end of April.
In the midst of winter storms, New York Debate League students and parents can start planning their summer fun at the 1-week Summer Debate Camps at the ESU throughout July.
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INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION (IPSC)
IPSC brings the best young speakers aged 16 - 20 from all over the world together for a week of competition, training & cultural exchange in London. This year, the ESU will hold the 2026 National Finals Competition in NYC to choose one US delegate to send to London. The US Finals will be guided by the words of Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower -- two of the 20th century’s most influential orators, and both former presidents of the ESU. The.US National Delegate will receive an all-expense paid trip to London, July 13-18, 2026, to represent the US in the International Public Speaking Competition!
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The ESU NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION |
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Join us for the ESU NYC Branch Shakespeare Competition!
Come see talented high school students from across New York City perform Shakespeare’s monologues and sonnets, competing in two Semi-Final Rounds at the ESU at 144 E 39th St.
● Round 1: Mon, Feb 9, 3:30–7 PM
● Round 2: Wed, Feb 11, 3:30–7 PM
The top 10 contestants from those two rounds will advance to the Finals at The Players at 16 Gramercy Park South, a historic club for actors and artists founded in 1888 and steeped in theatre history!
● NYC Finals: Tues, Feb 24, 3:30–6 PM
Hope to see you there! |
The ESU ANDREW ROMAY IMMIGRANT CENTER (ARNIC) |
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Know Your Rights Workshop
Last month, we offered a Know Your Rights workshop for students at our center for new immigrants. The workshop gave participants a thorough understanding of their rights as immigrants in NYC. Topics covered included interacting safely with immigration officials, emergency preparedness and avoiding legal scams. Participants left the session better able to advocate for themselves and their communities. We are grateful to the staff of the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement, who facilitated this session and shared additional resources with our students. The curriculum used at the workshop was developed by the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).
To further support the Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center at the ESU, please consider donating at: https://www.esuus.org/getinvolved/donate/ |
Volunteer with English in Action
Make a real difference, one conversation at a time. Volunteering with English in Action is a simple yet powerful way to support newcomers to the U.S. as they build confidence in their English and their new lives. With just two hours a week, your conversations can open doors to opportunity, connection, and belonging.
No teaching experience is required. We provide training and ongoing support, and many volunteers find that the experience leads to meaningful, lasting relationships with their conversation partners.
Join an information session today and discover how rewarding it can be to share your time, your voice, and your encouragement with someone who truly values it.
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February 11 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
Sponsored by the ESU Atlanta Branch
Jane Austen’s novels remain popular 250 years later because they combine engaging stories and memorable characters with sharp wit and timeless insights into human relationships, class, and gender roles. Her elegant prose and subtle irony continue to resonate across cultures, inspiring countless adaptations and a devoted global following. Austen’s ability to make the social world of her time feel familiar and relevant keeps her work fresh for modern readers.
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THE ESU 2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING |
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The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference on April 24th-26th, 2026. The conference, under the theme “United by Language, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting, social events such as receptions and meals, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and local tours. We invite you to participate in the camaraderie and help us advance our programs that support teachers, students, and recent immigrants.
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Please click here to registerfor the 2026 AGM, or click below to register online
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*Registration for the National Shakespeare Competition will be coming in March |
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