Civics, Citizenship, & Integrated English Language and Civics Education (IELCE)

Explore a new video resource from the Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans project. The Expanding Immigrant Integration in Adult Education video describes what immigrant integration means for adult education programs, and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) and Integrated Education and Training (IET) activities in particular.

For example, applying an immigrant integration approach to adult education programming can widen access to a range of coordinated services, often delivered by a network of partners, that can help immigrants and New Americans acclimate and integrate successfully into their communities.

Watch the Expanding Immigrant Integration in Adult Education video today to consider how you can incorporate an immigrant integration approach in your work.

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE)

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) is a program that provides education services to adult English language learners to support them to achieve English language competency, acquire basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States.  IELCE services include instruction in literacy and English language acquisition, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and civic participation.  IELCE funds are used in combination with integrated education and training.  

From the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Subtitle B, Chapter 4, Part 463:

§ 463.33 What are integrated English literacy and civics education services?

(a) Integrated English literacy and civics education services are education services provided to English language learners who are adults, including professionals with degrees or credentials in their native countries, that enable such adults to achieve competency in the English language and acquire the basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States. 

(b) Integrated English literacy and civics education services must include instruction in literacy and English language acquisition and instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation and may include workforce training.

IELCE Resources

LINCS List of Resources:  https://lincs.ed.gov/program/building-opportunities-ielce/additional-resources 

The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center: https://ietblueprint.com/resources-category/ielce/ 

NOTE: Both of these resource provide a link to the IELCE Checklist which is a very useful tool.

Citizenship

The resources in this section specifically support immigrants who are interested in becoming US citizens.  Citizenship instruction often includes learning English.

Citizenship Resources

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides information and tools for applying for citizenship and study materials.


USAHello is a non-profit organization providing services to over 1.9 million immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers annually, including:  

 USAHello has also released a comprehensive online Citizenship Guide in several languages.