ESU QUARTERLY
WINTER 2026 |
Discover, Connect, and Thrive with the English-Speaking Union (ESU)
At the English-Speaking Union, we believe in the power of the English language to connect people across borders, backgrounds, and generations. Through language, we open doors to understanding, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
As we celebrate the Legacy of the ESU, launch our Capacity Building Campaign, and look ahead to the 250th Anniversary of our nation with events nationwide, there’s never been a better time to join our community.
Join the ESU—where language connects, and community thrives.
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The 2026 ESU Annual General Meeting will be held in NYC
on Friday, April 24, 2026
Click below for more information:
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Dear ESU Friends,
As 2026 begins, the ESU celebrates the enduring importance of civil discourse and friendship through the English language. Members are invited to the Annual Conference in New York City, April 23–25, featuring the 25th anniversary of ESU House, the U.S. finals of the International Public Speaking Competition, cultural tours, and the National Shakespeare Competition Finals. The week’s events honor the ESU’s legacy, inspire future growth, and highlight the power of language to shape confident, engaged leaders. |
ENGLISH IN ACTION ACROSS AMERICA (EiA)
Volunteer with English in Action
It is a busy day during the week in New York City. Millions of people speed walk through its streets and enter its many skyscrapers for work. But down on 39th street, between 3rd and Lex, something entirely different is taking place. Here, a local volunteer is patiently listening and learning about another person's life. Across from them is a new immigrant practicing their English, struggling to use new words but ultimately expressing themselves in a language not their own. These conversation pairs are building a relationship that will last a lifetime. This is the English in Action volunteer conversation program.
Not being able to communicate in English is a major barrier for immigrants and other newcomers. For more than 60 years, the English in Action volunteer conversation program has helped students build fluency in English and lead confident, successful lives. The program offers a safe and inclusive space to acquire the language skills to navigate everyday life, access basic services, and communicate effectively in a professional setting.
Of English in Action, one student said, "The best part of EiA is getting to practice English through real conversations, meeting new people, and feeling more confident every week. It’s not just about learning the language, but also about connecting with others and enjoying the process."
Volunteering is open, online, or in-person, and EASY! Learn more and sign up for an Information Session here.
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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 The Women of Shakespeare, live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in November.
- Special curriculum resources and lesson plans
- Member events in NYC during Shakespeare Finals Weekend
- Exciting add-on experiences to TLab programs
- Discounted tickets to the National Shakespeare Competition
- Preferred rates at the Shelburne Sonesta Hotel in NYC
- Exclusive discounts on select Broadway shows
Click here for more information and to become a member. |
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ESU LUARD MORSE SCHOLARSHIP
The Luard Morse Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship providing up to $30,000 towards a semester of study at a British university to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities during their Junior year. The scholarship is open to students in all disciplines and has been awarded to students majoring in economics, philosophy, finance, mathematics, liberal arts, and the sciences. They can apply to the British university of their choice. Luard Morse Scholars have served as ambassadors for the United States while abroad and for British higher education upon returning home.
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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.
APPLICATIONS OPEN!
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ESU TRAVEL & LEARN ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS (TLab)
Since 1957, ESU Branches nationwide have generously provided scholarships to middle and high school teachers for summer study at Oxford, Edinburgh, and Shakespeare's Globe in London on 2-3 week programs in July and August. 1-week programs to Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon for the Page to Stage Program are also available for teachers and lifelong learners.
Application Deadline April 1st
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ESU INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION (IPSC)
Since 1983, the English-Speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) has brought together outstandingly articulate young people from around the world for a week of public speaking competition and international cultural exchange at the ESU of the Commonwealth in London. For the first time, the US Finals Competition will be held at the ESU in NYC on April 24th to select the Delegate to send to London with a speech to celebrate the impact of two powerful public speakers -- Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
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ESU MIDDLE SCHOOL DEBATE
Winter and Spring have been busy not just with ESU New York & New Jersey Saturday Debate Tournaments, but also with weekly debate classes both in-person at the ESU and also online!
Classes are taking place at the ESU after school every Wednesday and on Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday night through the end of April, led by some of the best ESU New York Debate League instructors, Nick Smart and Grace Campos.
Students and parents are already planning their summer fun at the 1-week Summer Debate Camps at the ESU throughout July. For more information and to register, go to ESU Debate Summer Camps
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THE ESU NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION
The 2026 National Shakespeare Competition returns to New York City this spring for an unforgettable weekend of learning, culture, and performance. From April 25–27, students, parents, teachers, and ESU members from across the country will gather for three exciting days celebrating Shakespeare and the performing arts.
Competition Weekend includes a New York City double-decker bus tour, acting masterclasses with theater professionals, teacher professional development workshops, and a Broadway performance of the 2025 Tony Award–winning musical Maybe Happy Ending.
The weekend culminates on Monday, April 27, with the National Finals at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center, where 40 of the nation’s top student performers compete for the national title.
See Finals Weekend Schedule Here
Purchase a Weekend Package Here |
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SAVE THE DATE:
March 26 at 7:00 PM CST
Virtual Event
The Science of Shakespeare:
An Evening with Dan Falk
Dan Falk, award-winning author of The Science of Shakespeare: A New Look at the Playwright's Universe, joins Dr. Eric Dorfman, President of the Linda Hall Library, for a lively conversation on the connections between the famous playwright and the beginnings of the Scientific Revolution—and how, together, they changed the world forever.
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THE ESU 2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
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 register for the 2026 AGM, or click below to register online
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International Council Meeting (ICM) |
On behalf of the ESU, I am delighted to invite you and your guests to attend this year’s International Council Meeting from Monday, 13 – Friday, 17 July, in London.
We have a fun and engaging itinerary planned, which includes tours of London as well as a trip to Oxford.
Ticket prices are £550 per person for delegates and guests.
To confirm your attendance, please fill out this form below. If you have issues accessing the form, please let us know, and we can provide it in MS Word format:
If you would like to order some ESU Merchandise to collect in London in July please use the form below to do so:
More information on hotel accommodation will be provided in due course.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact events@esu.org
I am looking forward to welcoming you to London and hope to see many of you there in person.
Best wishes,
Consola
Finally, the cost is $550+VAT for the week, and here is the booking link:
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The English-Speaking Union
144 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016 |
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