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Irven E. and NeVada P. Linscomb Foundation Supports Parvin After-School Program

June 30, 2007

The Irven E. and NeVada P. Linscomb Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant in support for Phoenix Family’s After-School and Out-of-School Program at Parvin Estates in the Northland.

The Opportunity to Learn initiative is specific to Limited English Proficient (LEP) youth, ages 5 to 13, who participate in the Parvin Estates After-School and Out-of-School Program. Like many neighborhoods in the Northland, Parvin has seen an increasing number of residents who come from non-English speaking countries and who have limited English proficiency. While in school, they are involved in LEP classes for part of the day; however, following the school hours, there are no opportunities to continue learning. Having an after-school and out-of-school program that continues the learning they receive in school is critical. These children often face isolation within school because of their limited English. More importantly, the linguistic isolation that many LEP children find in their schools is replicated in their homes. The majority of the children in this program live in households where no one over age 14 is proficient in English. Our Opportunity to Learn project provides an on-site tutor focusing on literacy learning and homework assistance for those youth who experience a learning and academic achievement disadvantage due to the language barrier.