LaGuardia Community College Hosts Holiday Celebration for English Language Learners and their School-Aged Children
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (December 13, 2023) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY hosted a holiday celebration for English language learners and their school-aged children on Friday evening, December 8. The celebration for English and Immigrant Family Literacy Program recognized students’ dedication and hard work towards becoming independent, empowered citizens of New York City.
The families enjoyed workshops led by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York Historical Society, Rubin Museum of Art, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and NYC Groove.
The English and Immigrant Family Literacy Program helps participants—primarily recent immigrants—develop the English skills they need to communicate with their children’s teachers and become familiar with the New York City education system so they can make informed decisions about their children’s education. Hispanic/Latina women ages 30–59 comprise most of the students served by the program. For the past 20 years, it has been provided tuition-free, thanks to continuous support from the New York State Education Department.
“LaGuardia’s English and Immigrant Family Literacy Program benefits entire families. It breaks down barriers and empowers immigrant parents to advocate for their children at school, to provide homework support at home, and to become lifelong learners. It also connects families to NYC organizations for resources and support services,” said Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Community College.
“Family Night is an opportunity for us to honor our student-parents for their accomplishments and gave them a well-deserved break the hard work they’re doing to learn English. We hope they made fun memories with their children, and new connections and community with their fellow students,” said Paula DaSilva-Michelin, director of LaGuardia’s Center for Immigrant Education and Training (CIET), of which the English and Immigrant Family Literacy Program is an initiative. The Center is part of LaGuardia’s Continuing Education Division, the largest provider of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction and workforce training in New York City.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 degrees and certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to educate New Yorkers seeking new skills and careers. As an institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of underserved populations. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students while providing them with access to a high quality, affordable college education.
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