USCIS Announces 2010 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program Recipients
$7.8 Million Awarded to Expand Citizenship Preparation Programs for Immigrants
On Sept. 17, 2010, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced federal funding for 75 organizations to support citizenship education and preparation programs for lawful permanent residents (LPRs). This funding will build capacity in communities to meet the increasing demand for citizenship services, including civics-based English classes, and support those on the path toward U.S. citizenship.
The 2010 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is funded through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-83). This competitive funding opportunity provides approximately $7.8 million through two separate grant programs. The Direct Services Grant Program will fund locally based citizenship preparation programs and allow recipient organizations to expand services. The National Capacity Building Grant Program will increase the capacity of national, regional and statewide organizations to offer new citizenship services through their members or affiliates in communities needing citizenship resources.
Funded programs aim to improve English language skills, provide education in U.S. history and government (civics), and prepare immigrants for the naturalization application and interview process. Specific services for LPRs proposed by recipient organizations include:
- Civics-based English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction
- Citizenship education
- Educational resources (textbooks, language software, computers, etc.)
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Naturalization preparation assistance (including case management and activities associated with Board of Immigration Appeals recognition of organizations and accreditation of staff);
• Volunteer recruitment, training, professional development - Student and community outreach.
The FY 2010 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program represents a significant increase in funding over the previous year. In FY 2009, USCIS awarded 13 organizations a total of $1.2 million to expand citizenship preparation programs.
Info on which organizations were awarded grants, where they are located, and how they were selected is at:
Posted: to Citizenship News on Sat, Sep 18, 2010
Updated: Sat, Sep 18, 2010
