SHC strives to create a positive and empowering environment for families where parents and children learn together

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        Convenient & Safe
  Starter Classes

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  A multi-generation learning environment 

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  Building English proficiency and
  ​family literacy

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         Fun classes for every level
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  Pathways to Citizenship

Convenient & Safe Starter Classes

After observing that many mothers with young children were unable to attend traditional ESL classes SHC developed a program that combines in home-tutoring with neighborhood starter classes. By providing activities for children and making classes more geographically accessible a whole new world of learning opportunities is now available to these women. Read more

SHC, in partnership with Prince George's County Memorial Library System, offers starter classes to students of all English levels at library branches located close to many of our students' homes. For students ready to take a deeper dive, SHC offers:

• Intensive English at the child-friendly SHC Learning Center in Hyattsville.

• Assistance with enrollment in English courses at the community college level, finding and participating in work-skills development programs, and preparing and applying for employment.

• Summer Welcome Workshops, conducted in partnership with PGCMLS, where students hear from specialists about available resources, tools, and strategies to support their children's learning and their families' well-being.

A multi-generation learning environment 

SHC provides age-appropriate activities for young children coming to class with their mothers. This includes directed play and movement to support motor skill and socio-emotional development. We offer story time to develop English language proficiency and cultural acclimation as well as arts and crafts time for fun and creative expression. Read more

While their mothers are learning English SHC's youngest students are gaining foundational skills that will have them well prepared for the transition to formal pre-school and elementary school programs.

Building English proficiency and family literacy

SHC's priority is to provide information and resources that will be of continuing relevance to the refugee and other newly arrived families that we serve. SHC's English Language Learner curriculum prioritizes the life-skills necessary to navigate the American educational system and other services on which our families depend. Read more

This includes parental involvement in children's schooling and encouraging family literacy. Our adult education program is developed to support these needs as well as a broad spectrum of family needs related to being effective advocates for their children.

Pathways to Citizenship
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U.S. citizenship is the culmination of a long journey for many humanitarian immigrants striving to make a new home in the US. SHC's Citizenship class helps students learn about the USCIS citizenship process and prepare for the USCIS interview and tests. Students joining SHC citizenship class benefit from the comfort of continuing their learning with community members. Applicants for U.S. naturalization also receive citizenship coaching in preparation for their USCIS citizenship interview.