English Center awarded grant

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The English Center received a $14,300 grant from the International Institute Fund.

The center staff teach English to Mahoning Valley residents who are from other countries. The grant represents nearly one-third of the Elm Street center’s annual budget.

The center provides classes in reading, writing, listening and speaking skills that help its students adapt to American culture, find employment, qualify for college or trade school courses and prepare for and pass tests and licensing exams.

The language program expects to assist 90 to 120 people with their English skills this year.

Other International Institute Fund awards:

$1,800 to Beatitude House, its English Language Learners Program includes English as a Second Language classes for adults and tutoring for children as well as food distribution, a summer camp and other services to families whose first language is not English.

$2,700 to the Festival of Nations, a set of ethnic group performances, food and memorabilia showcases that’s part of Youngstown State University Summer Festival of the Arts.

$2,700 to the Organizaci ≥n Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana, the agency’s Multi-Level Practical English for Speakers of Other Languages Project teaches English to adult immigrants with an emphasis on elements of daily life, such as banking, house and apartment rentals, schooling options and doctor’s office visits.

The International Institute Fund, established in 1985, promotes the interests of foreign-born people and encourages the social integration of all U.S. citizens.

The fund’s grants are administered by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.