Grant Opportunity: Citizenship Corners

Citizenship Corners & Expanded English Language Service for New Americans

Provide citizenship and ESOL services.

A young woman turns from her computer to smile.Grant Amount:

$10,000 / $20,000

Time Range:

1 or 2 years

Eligibility:

Public Libraries

Staff Contact:

Lyndsay Forbes


Program Description

This program would provide libraries the opportunity to develop a range of services for New Americans. The Citizenship Corners would be a one-year program and would be funded at no more than $7,500. Should the library seek to expand existing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes or create a Conversation Circle program, they could apply for the higher range of funds. Libraries applying for this range would need to commit to a two-year time frame.

Components of the project will include the following:

  • Set up a special area of the library as a Citizenship Corner
  • Feature information on immigration and naturalization provided by USCIS
  • Partner with community organizations to offer a series of workshops on citizenship and naturalization at least twice during the grant year
  • Commit to maintaining citizenship information as part of library services
  • Cultural training for staff
  • Materials and support of citizenship and English language learning

Expanded English Language Services – Two-Year Grant

Create or expand a small group instruction program to learn and practice English using trained volunteers supervised by library staff

  • Offer classes that focus on vocabulary building through informal conversation and topics of practical interest
  • Include a Citizenship Corner as a designated area of the library
  • Partners include USCIS and the Office for Refugees and Immigrants
  • Cultural training for staff
  • Materials and support of citizenship and English language learning*

Background

According to the U.S. Census, 15.5% of the Massachusetts population is foreign-born. Libraries are the natural location to find resources to learn and practice English. Additionally, libraries play a critical role as informal education centers where they offer structured programs to learn about the citizenship and naturalization process in a safe and trusted environment. These programs aid in the acculturation process by increasing knowledge of American culture and customs. They also serve as a forum for community members to meet and interact with others from different cultures.

*Create small classes on zoom or similar platforms which can effectively reach between 6-10 learners.

Train tutors to continue tutoring their learners: Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, email, phone, outdoor meetings, etc.

Explore USCIS virtual programs to help teachers prepare immigrants for citizenship

Offer virtual “mock interview meetings” prior to learners’ USCIS interview appointments.

Promote websites such as USALearns.org and others that provide preparation for the citizenship interview.

For More Information

Robert Favini, Head of Library Advisory and Development
617-725-1860 x237
857-488-6590 (Mobile)
robert.favini@mass.gov

Amy Clayton, Administrative Coordinator
617-725-1860 x228
857-488-6408 (Mobile)
amy.clayton@mass.gov