HOUSTON, TX - July 18, 2024 - Houston Endowment has awarded Houston Public Library (HPL) a $200,000 grant for one year to support the relaunch of HPL’s Journey to Citizenship classes, which include “Introduction to Citizenship” and “Civics and Literacy.”
These comprehensive seven-week programs are designed for adult learners to master the reading, writing and vocabulary portions of the naturalization exam. Each 90-minute class covers the 100 civics exam questions, including topics on American government and history, rights and responsibilities, and integrated civics. The classes, available at several HPL locations, are essential for individuals learning the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, expanding their knowledge, and building community connections. The program is designed to equip participants with the confidence and knowledge needed to successfully become U.S. citizens.
Thanks to this grant, HPL will introduce new citizenship kits with civics flash cards, pocket-sized copies of the Declaration of Independence, an "Introduction to U.S. History" DVD and more. MYLink cardholders can borrow these kits from the library and gain valuable resources to aid their journey toward citizenship. Grant money will also support the hiring of certified citizenship instructors to facilitate the expanded series of classes.
In addition to its citizenship classes, Houston Public Library serves as a full-service destination for applying and renewing passports at several libraries throughout the city. Passport services are available at six HPL locations, including the new Walker Neighborhood Library at 11630 Chimney Rock Rd. For more information or to make an appointment, visit Houston Library Passports or call 832-393-7277.
About Houston Endowment Houston Endowment is a private foundation established in 1937 by Jesse H. Jones and his wife, Mary Gibbs Jones, to improve the quality of life for everyone in Greater Houston. Today, it has more than $2 billion in assets and invests about $100 million a year in three priorities: strengthen public education, increase civic engagement, and enhance the region’s arts and parks. Working with fellow Houstonians, Houston Endowment pursues bold goals, builds partnerships, and invests in innovative solutions rooted in equity and evidence to create a vibrant region where all have the opportunity to thrive.
About Houston Public Library We are a dynamic organization that serves one of the largest service areas –both population and area – in the country. 2.3 million residents in the City of Houston are the primary beneficiaries of a comprehensive customer-focused service delivery strategy.
Our system consists of 44 public service units which include one Central Library, five Regional Libraries, 29 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, three TECHLinks, one Satellite location at Children’s Museum Houston, one cafécollege Houston center, and one Mobile Express.
Houston Public Library Awarded $200,000 Grant to Continue Citizenship Program
HOUSTON, TX - July 18, 2024 - Houston Endowment has awarded Houston Public Library (HPL) a $200,000 grant for one year to support the relaunch of HPL’s Journey to Citizenship classes, which include “Introduction to Citizenship” and “Civics and Literacy.”
These comprehensive seven-week programs are designed for adult learners to master the reading, writing and vocabulary portions of the naturalization exam. Each 90-minute class covers the 100 civics exam questions, including topics on American government and history, rights and responsibilities, and integrated civics. The classes, available at several HPL locations, are essential for individuals learning the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, expanding their knowledge, and building community connections. The program is designed to equip participants with the confidence and knowledge needed to successfully become U.S. citizens.
Thanks to this grant, HPL will introduce new citizenship kits with civics flash cards, pocket-sized copies of the Declaration of Independence, an "Introduction to U.S. History" DVD and more. MYLink cardholders can borrow these kits from the library and gain valuable resources to aid their journey toward citizenship. Grant money will also support the hiring of certified citizenship instructors to facilitate the expanded series of classes.
In addition to its citizenship classes, Houston Public Library serves as a full-service destination for applying and renewing passports at several libraries throughout the city. Passport services are available at six HPL locations, including the new Walker Neighborhood Library at 11630 Chimney Rock Rd. For more information or to make an appointment, visit Houston Library Passports or call 832-393-7277.
About Houston Endowment
Houston Endowment is a private foundation established in 1937 by Jesse H. Jones and his wife, Mary Gibbs Jones, to improve the quality of life for everyone in Greater Houston. Today, it has more than $2 billion in assets and invests about $100 million a year in three priorities: strengthen public education, increase civic engagement, and enhance the region’s arts and parks. Working with fellow Houstonians, Houston Endowment pursues bold goals, builds partnerships, and invests in innovative solutions rooted in equity and evidence to create a vibrant region where all have the opportunity to thrive.
About Houston Public Library
We are a dynamic organization that serves one of the largest service areas –both population and area – in the country. 2.3 million residents in the City of Houston are the primary beneficiaries of a comprehensive customer-focused service delivery strategy.
Our system consists of 44 public service units which include one Central Library, five Regional Libraries, 29 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, three TECHLinks, one Satellite location at Children’s Museum Houston, one cafécollege Houston center, and one Mobile Express.