Office for New Americans announces new English language learning program to help immigrants master the language

Over $ 1.2 million spent helping speakers of other languages ​​learn English

September 10-19 marks welcome week and September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month

Governor issues Proclamations Welcoming the Significant Contributions of New Americans Across the State

In recognition of Welcome Week and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) today announced funding of over $ 1.2 million to support a new English for Speakers of Other Languages ​​(ESOL) program to help New York immigrants learn English. The program, which will provide in-person and virtual learning opportunities, will help immigrants across the state become proficient in English.

This announcement comes in the middle of Welcome week, which runs from September 10 to 19, and kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, 2021. In honor of these celebrations, Governor Kathy Hochul posted proclamations recognizing the important contributions of new Americans across New York State.

“New Americans contribute greatly to the state’s vibrant cultural and economic environment, but their participation in our society may be reduced due to their limited language skills,” said Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “We celebrate Hospitality Week and Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the great contributions of new Americans and providing opportunities such as the English program for speakers of other languages. This resource will help New Americans become part of the New York Diaspora by providing the tools necessary to contribute to our great state. “

This new ONA initiative offers a stand-alone ESOL program that combines English training with a workforce development component, to prepare participants for employment in New York State. To directly address the needs identified in the communities served by ONA, this program will offer regular ESOL courses combined with one-on-one workforce support and innovative technologies, including Cell-Ed. Each Opportunity Center-ESOL will hire an experienced ESOL teacher to provide instruction to low-income immigrants and assist participants with resume writing, interview techniques, and employment opportunities. ONA-ESOL Opportunity Centers will also offer workforce development workshops for the community.

Starting October 1, ONA-ESOL Opportunity Centers will offer the ESOL program to help low-income immigrants and refugees with opportunities to learn English as well as provide information to help navigate their communities. The ONA has presented awards to 16 community partner organizations located in the following counties of New York State for carrying out this work:

• Bronx – Catholic Charities Community Service, Archdiocese of New York
• Erie – End of the trip
• Kings – Americans of Haitian descent united for progress
• Kings – Arab-American Association of New York
• Monroe – Action for a better community
• Nassau – Central American Refugee Center
• New York – International Rescue Committee
• New York – Chinatown Manpower Inc.
• Oneida – The Center
• Onondaga – Catholic Charities Onondaga
• Orange – Catholic Charities Community Service, Archdiocese of New York
• Queens – China-US Planning Council
• Queens – Americans of Haitian descent united for progress
• Queens – Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York
• Suffolk – Central American Refugee Center
• Westchester – Neighbors Link

Anyone who resides in New York State and meets the program’s income eligibility criteria can benefit from these services, regardless of where they reside in the state. Programming will be offered in person and remotely. Cell-Ed is also available to any New York State resident as additional free programming offering distance English learning on the go.

As part of this three-year grant, each ONA Opportunity Center-ESOL will provide free services to clients, including English training, workforce assistance, and referrals to the ONA hotline.

There are approximately one million New Yorkers with Limited English Proficiency (“LEP”). Providing access to ESOL training statewide is essential to facilitate the full participation of new Americans in New York’s social, civic, and economic life. ESOL training under this program will be offered for adult education purposes (18 years and over) only.

This program is supported to the tune of approximately $ 1,292,000 through a Federal Community Service Block Grant and is open to any immigrant with a household income of 125% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. .

This program is supported by the United States Administration for Children and Families (ACF), United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in financial assistance totaling 1,292,000 $, 100% funded by ACF / HHS. The content is that of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official opinions or endorsement of ACF / HHS or the US government. For more information, visit the ACF website, National administrative and policy requirements.