GRASP, or "Great Results Always Start with Parents," is a community adult ESL class and curriculum which aims to fill an education gap amongst refugee parents in the city of Buffalo. They connect us with the rest of the world and support the American economy.
• In the 2008 U.S. Census, 4,236,768 people stated that they speak a language other than English at home.
• There is an extreme shortage of
ENL* teachers in the United States and an even smaller amount of bilingual teachers. (*aka, ESL)
• ENL (English as a New Language) classes are in high need and are often overcrowded.
• Employment in the U.S. is directly based on English speaking ability.
• The majority of refugees and immigrants come to the U.S. in hopes of finding work.
• Literacy in English is a vital component to everyday life.
• By 2030, over 40% of our school-aged children will speak English as a second or third language. o Research proves parent involvement in schools support positive relations with academic, behavioral, and economic successes. o Parental support is diminished by language barriers. o Children are too heavily relied on for translating for the parents: serious familial issues can arise. If you would like to volunteer to help facilitate classes or refer a parent, please email [email protected]
