Reflections of a CARECEN volunteer: Freshman Service Experience
Posted on August 28, 2014
by: Samantha Ewing, American University Freshman “Starting my first year at American University, I prepared myself all summer for the experience of a lifetime. Along the way I was given all the usual sentiments of pride, and advice about college every student receives when embarking on this next chapter in life. I was told to expect […]
Registration Open for Summer Citizenship Classes
Posted on June 11, 2014
Summer is here and you are looking to take a citizenship class while kids are at camp. CARECEN is proud to be the only community based organization in the District of Columbia that offers citizenship classes in the summer, between July 8 and September 27 (12 weeks). For that reason, classes fill up quickly, so […]
What’s So Good About Citizenship, Anyway?
Posted on April 4, 2014
By Anduriña Espinoza, CARECEN teacher and supporter It costs money. It costs time. It requires study and taking a test. What’s so good about pursuing U.S. citizenship, anyway? CARECEN students offer insight.* The answer is largely ideological in nature. They want to have rights and responsibilities. Voting rights is a big draw. All hands went […]
Happy New Year from CARECEN’s Citizenship Program
Posted on January 28, 2014
Here at CARECEN, we are celebrating our achievements and welcoming a new year full of success and inspiration. Some of our 2014 citizenship goals include: Increase the number of permanent residents who receive assistance with the N-400 and enroll in citizenship classes. Grow our collaboration with DC Public Libraries and other institutions to promote citizenship. […]
‘Twas a night at CARECEN
Posted on December 20, 2013
By Rachel Gittinger Get in the holiday spirit with this adapted poem that describes the most recent session at CARECEN! Thanks to all the teachers and volunteers who make our program successful! See you in 2014! ‘Twas a night at CARECEN Twas a week before Christmas and all through CARECEN The students were finishing […]
Perseverance
Posted on October 31, 2013
CARECEN citizenship student Juana Ordoñez and her tutor Sarah Palazzolo discuss preparing for the exam. “Persevere” In a word, that is Juana’s advice to future CARECEN citizenship students. After a year of preparation, and two months of intensive tutoring, Juana has just passed her citizenship exam. Today, she reunites with her tutor, Sarah, to discuss […]
Reflections of a CARECEN Civics Teacher
Posted on September 30, 2013
By Alissa Moen, Volunteer Civics Teacher As a U.S. History and Civics teacher at CARECEN over the past three years, I have had the privilege of helping many people prepare for the citizenship interviews. They come from a variety of countries – El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Eritrea…this list goes on! Not only have I […]
Experiencing More of My New Hometown
Posted on August 5, 2013
By Haley Semian, American University Student Hello! My name is Haley Semian and I am an incoming freshman at American University. During my summer program at the school (STEP) I had the opportunity to work with CARECEN for a day. Part of their mission is facilitating engagement with the local community, including American University students, which […]
Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
Posted on July 26, 2013
By Daniela Fishbein, CARECEN Summer Citizenship Intern I came to CARECEN this summer excited to intern with the Citizenship Program. I expected to be working with people who share one main thing in common- a Latino heritage along with permanent residence in this country. One thing I didn’t expect the students to have in common […]
Pupusas, Pho, and Burgers All in One Block
Posted on June 10, 2013
By Ellie Klerlein, Deputy Director, Digital, NCLR Yesterday, I got to do one of my favorite parts of the job. I attended a citizenship ceremony organized by NCLR Affiliate CARECEN and the USCIS Office of Citizenship at the Mount Pleasant Public Library in Washington, DC. During the ceremony, we welcomed new Americans from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, India, […]
