B5 offers a class to help students prepare to take the test to become a US citizen. Permanent legal residents to the US (this includes refugees) are allowed to apply for citizenship after 5 years. It has been our joy to welcome our friends as fellow citizens.
We offer other classes for adults, such as an evening conversation class, and a class focused on health and health related vocabulary. All these classes are volunteer taught. Most volunteers spend 2-4 hours/week throughout the school year, preparing for and teaching classes.
We cooperate with the Kennewick School District and the Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia to offer READY! for Kindergarten classes for our families. These classes are offered three times per year to parents of pre-schoolers.
High School Academic Mentor
High school refugee students face significant challenges trying to graduate and receive a diploma. Often they begin high school with limited or no proficiency in English reading and writing. In addition, they have had a limited education before coming to the United States and so they are challenged to acquire the skills they need to pass the state tests or achieve a high school diploma.
A mentor helps a student acquire English language proficiency and reading skills. The supportive relationship that develops contributes to the student’s sense of belonging and confidence.
Mentors are asked to make a one hour /week commitment to meeting with one student throughout the school year. They can meet at the high school after school at 2:30, or at B5 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.