Two college faculty members have developed two speech communication courses specifically designed to increase the communication skills and self-confidence of non-native speakers of English. One course teaches pronunciation skills, including stress, rhythm, and intonation. The second focuses on speaking and listening skills for getting acquainted, conversation, group discussion, process description, story-telling, problem-solving, job interviewing, and planning meetings. Both include competency-based laboratory components and skill assessment. The laboratory takes place in the college speech communication center, a learning facility using peer tutoring. With the assistance of a grant, community volunteers consisting of older adults have been added to the center's staff. A pilot program confirmed planners' assumptions that (1) non-native students want access to native speakers of English but are apprehensive about seeking them out; (2) non-native students respect the opinions of older adults; (3) many older adults are skilled communicators of English; and (4) older adults provide a wider exposure to the American language and culture than do the non-native students' American peers. Planned program modifications include self-support, weekly brown-bag lunch meetings of instructors and volunteers, and discontinuance of skill assessment by volunteers owing to problems in providing training. Involving community volunteers has brought distinct advantages to the students, the college, and the volunteers themselves. (MSE)