English for Families
What is English for Families?
Florida Humanities invites public libraries to apply for funding to participate in an expansion of its new English for Families pilot program, a multi-week series of interactive classes for parents and children (ages 6-12) that focuses on developing English vocabulary and literacy skills through strategic and fun story reading.
Developed in partnership with the Orange County Library System (OCLS), English for Families is designed specifically to improve the language proficiency of individuals whose native language is not English (ESOL) by providing essential reading strategies needed for school-age children to achieve success in the classroom while also developing adults’ basic language skills.
Libraries selected for participation will receive extensive online training in the program methodology as well as templated marketing and evaluation materials to measure program success.
This program was developed with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Funding Highlights and Key Dates
Application Deadline: October 15, 2021, at 12pm EST
Informational Webinar: September 13, 2021 at 9am. Watch Now.
Funding Notification: Week of Nov. 8, 2021
Funding Amount: Up to $5,000
Cost Share: At least equal to the funds requested.
Funding Period: January 1-December 31, 2022
Eligibility
Florida public libraries and library systems are eligible to apply. Up to six grants will be awarded for the 2022 calendar year.
Funding Details
Libraries can apply for up to $5,000. Florida Humanities funds may only be used for allowable expenses incurred during the funding period, January 1-December 31, 2022.
Allowable expenses include but are not limited to honorarium and bookset for the program instructor; books for the participating families; technology support for virtual programs; program marketing; and appropriate literacy-focused titles for general library circulation.
English for Families Informational Webinar
Watch our informational webinar on the Florida Humanities’ English for Families application process.
Watch on-demand the Florida Humanities
English for Families Webinar
This informational webinar on the English for Families program walks applicants through the application process. Recorded on September 13, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Any Florida public library or library system is eligible to apply. Up to six libraries will be selected for 2022.
Can programs be both in-person and virtual?
Selected libraries will be required to host two series of 10 sessions each (meeting either once a week for 10 weeks or twice a week for 5 weeks). Each session should last approximately one hour and include an average attendance of 10-15 families. Both series must be completed during the 12-month contract period.
Will host sites receive program training?
Selected libraries will receive on-demand, online training that will include a series of modules explaining the curriculum, program strategies, and methodology. After completing the on-demand modules, there will be a live, online training session designed to prepare selected libraries to launch the program. All training will be facilitated by the Orange County Library System.
Will marketing materials and survey information be provided?
Libraries will also receive templated marketing materials to promote the program locally and participant surveys to gauge the effectiveness of the program.
Do English for Families funds require a match?
Organizations are also required to provide a cost share at least equal to the funds requested of Florida Humanities. Cost share may include any items noted above that are not fully covered by grant funding. Cost share may include:
- Additional library staffing support directly related to implementation of the programming.
- Additional books provided to families participating in the program.
- Marketing and publicity. Please note that templated publicity materials will be provided by the Orange County Library System. Marketing expenses may include print or digital outreach including social media.
Does our facility need to be ADA compliant?
Yes, all partners must adhere to state accessibility guidelines. For more information about accessibility please visit the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs accessibility website here.
“OCLS is excited about expanding our English for Families program to more Florida libraries to help families develop their English literacy skills. Learning English together in a fun and engaging way strengthens family bonds and helps lay a path for individual success at work, at school and in the community.”
— Danielle King, Chief Branch Officer, Orange County Library System
“OCLS is excited about expanding our English for Families program to more Florida libraries to help families develop their English literacy skills. Learning English together in a fun and engaging way strengthens family bonds and helps lay a path for individual success at work, at school and in the community.”
— Danielle King, Chief Branch Officer, Orange County Library System
