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
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
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 the25th Anniversary of the ESU House, 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.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or globally curious individual, you’ll find opportunities at the ESU—through workshops, speaker events, exchanges, and celebrations—to grow, share, and belong.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and join us in this mission to build friendships, foster ideas, and strengthen global citizenship.
Join the ESU—where language connects and community thrives.
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.
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 are open 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. 2026 UK program dates and details available by January. 2025 UK programs are currently posted on the ESU website for reference only.
For Scholarship Applications & more information, go to
ESU DEBATE LEAGUES PRACTICE WHAT THEY PREACH: CIVIL DISCOURSE
ESU Debate Leagues across the great New York and New Jersey areas have been alive with civil discourse during the fall semester, as over 1000 middle and high school students have participated in Saturday debate tournaments! The all-day, parliamentary-style debates have been filled with bonding, critical thinking, civil discourse, fun, and yes, even pizza. A huge thank you to everyone, including judges and coaches who have participated in tournaments and to Dwight, Speyer, Nightingale Bamford, Ethical Culture Fieldston and Stonebridge schools for hosting us. We look forward to this weekend's debate tournaments at Packer Collegiate School in Brooklyn where middle school students will be debating the topics: NYC should establish city-run grocery stores and In the US, the private sector is a greater threat to free speech than the government and at Applied Technology High School in Paramus students will be debating: The US should prioritize military action over diplomatic engagement in combating Latin American drug cartels and De-extinction companies should use genomic reconstruction techniques to restore extinct species such as the moa.
The ESU’s 43rd Annual National Shakespeare Competition is now underway!
School-level competitions are taking place across the country throughout December, with thousands of students exploring Shakespeare’s language through dynamic, performance-based learning.
Schools across our Branches may continue to register, giving educators a meaningful way to connect students with Shakespeare’s works. Branch winners will advance to New York City in April 2026 for an exciting weekend of workshops, city tours, and a Broadway show, culminating in the final competition on stage at Lincoln Center on Monday, April 27. Students compete for scholarships and other prizes, while teachers enjoy ongoing access to online and in-person professional development throughout the year.
Click here to learn more about the NSC and our professional development offerings for educators.
This September, the Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center (ARNIC) launched another vibrant academic year, welcoming more than 100 new and returning immigrants from across New York City. Students participated in English language courses, including Presentation Skills, Media Literacy, and Business English, all led by licensed instructors. Beyond the classroom, participants enjoyed enrichment activities including a guided tour of the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue and a workshop on overcoming impostor syndrome.
A free program of the English-Speaking Union, ARNIC helps immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees integrate into life in the U.S. through English instruction, conversation practice, and career support. Grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion, ARNIC serves more than 350 immigrants annually—and has empowered over 2,000 individuals from 60+ countries since its founding.
Volunteering is a meaningful way to make a difference, and few opportunities are as rewarding as helping newcomers to the U.S. improve their English language skills. With just two hours a week, you can open doors for someone building a new life just by having a conversation. No prior experience is needed—training is provided, and with little effort, you will form a long-lasting relationship with your conversation partner. Sign up for an information session today and discover how fulfilling it is to support someone who truly needs it!
From its humble beginnings in 1947, the wife of a Marine Reserve Major wanted to donate dolls to a charity that would distribute the toys to children in need. She convinced her husband to create one. He looked to fellow Marine reservists to get the job done. The project was a huge success and was officially adopted by the Marine Corps in 1948, and went nationwide almost immediately.
Join the Churchill Society of New York and the English-Speaking Union for a discussion on "Churchill and the Middle East: An Introduction."
We would like to invite you to an evening of discussion with David Freeman, Director of Publications and Editor of "Finest Hour" at the International Churchill Society, who will discuss "Churchill and the Middle East."
The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference on April 24th-25th,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.
Please click here to register 2026 AGM, or click below to register online
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