Citizenship Project
What is the Citizenship Project?
- In collaboration with Neighborhood House, every week SU law school students teach a citizenship class or tutor students at the Yesler Terrace Community Center.
- Immigrants, many who are Limited English Proficienct, receive support as they study for the civics exam which is part of the citizenship application process.
How Does the Citizenship Class Work?
- A typical Citizenship Class consists of learning to say the Pledge of Allegiance, reviewing tested civics questions with students, and teaching substantive materials to help students understand American history and civics.
- Law student teachers also distribute a Guide to King County Legal Clinics and Hotlines which provides information about free legal clinic and hotlines in King County and is translated into Vietnamese, Somali and Amharic.
- Class materials are prepared by Citizenship Project Coordinator and distributed to law student volunteers prior to class.
Why Should Law Students Get Involved?
- Teaching citizenship classes is personally rewarding
- Meet and work with nearby members of the Youth Initiative neighborhood community
- Gain skills in cross-cultural and cross-difference communication
- Learn about the U.S. process of citizenship through naturalization
What Kind of Training is Available?
- Training is offered on working with Limited English Proficient students and the citizenship process.
- Ongoing support and training is available through the law student coordinator and our partner organization, Neighborhood House.
What Kind of Commitment Do Law Students Need to make to Be Involved?
- Students must commit to 1.5 hours a week, Wednesdays, 5-6:30pm at Yesler Terrace Community Center (a 10 minute walk from campus).
How Do I Apply?
- Contact Paige to apply!
- Please send a short one or two paragraph statement about yourself and why you want to participate to Paige Hardy at hardyp@seattleu.edu.
Who Do I Contact for More Information?
