English for Families
What is English for Families?
Florida Humanities invites public libraries to apply for funding to host English for Families, a multi-week series of interactive classes for adults 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 to specifically 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 program methodology as well as templated marketing and evaluation materials to measure program success.
English for Families is supported in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Funding Highlights and Key Dates
Application Deadline: Stay tuned for 2024 application deadlines!
Informational Webinar: WATCH WEBINAR!
Funding Notification: Week of May 22, 2023
Funding Amount: Up to $8,000
Funding Period: July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024
Eligibility
Florida public libraries and library systems are eligible to apply. A friends group, association, foundation, city or county government, or municipality may apply on behalf of a library or library system. Up to 8 libraries will be funded for 2023-2024.
Funding Details
Libraries can apply for up to $8,000. Allowable expenses include but are not limited to honorarium and bookset for the program instructor; books for participating families; program marketing; and appropriate literacy-focused titles for general library circulation.
Program Requirements
Libraries must have all of the following resources to host the program:
- A community meeting space with a projector and screen or access to a digital meeting platform to host programming
- A qualified instructor and a library staff member or volunteer to facilitate programming
- The instructor should be a certified English language instructor or have at least two years of professional teaching experience in literacy or similar field. Florida Humanities does not provide an instructor for the program.
- A registration platform to recruit and register participants
- Optional: A community partner or agency to assist with participant recruitment (i.e. school system, literacy coalition, community center)
Watch Informational Webinar
In this webinar, Florida Humanities and Orange County Library System discuss the English for Families program, including programmatic content, training, and the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Any Florida public library or library system is eligible to apply. A friends group, association, foundation, city or county government, or municipality may apply on behalf of a library or library system. Up to eight libraries will be funded.
How many programs will my organization host?
Selected libraries will be required to host a minimum of two series of 10 sessions each (meeting either once a week for ten weeks or twice a week for five weeks). Each session should last approximately one hour and include an average attendance of 10 families. All sessions must be completed during the contract period.
What does my library need to host the program?
Libraries must have the following resources at their disposal to host the
program:- A community meeting space with a projector and screen or access to a digital meeting platform to host programming
- A qualified instructor and library staff member or volunteer to facilitate programming
- A registration platform to recruit and register participants
- Optional: A community partner or agency to assist with participant recruitment (i.e. school system, literacy coalition, community center)
Can Programs be in-person and virtual?
Yes, English for Families programming can be conducted either in person or virtually.
Will host sites receive program training?
Funded libraries will receive on-demand, online training that will include a series of modules explaining the curriculum, program strategies, methodology, and sample hands-on activities. All training is facilitated by the Orange County Library System.
Will marketing materials and survey information be provided?
Libraries will 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 required to provide a minimum 1:1 match (cash and/or in-kind) may include any items that are not fully covered by Florida Humanities funding. Cost share may include:
- Library staffing support directly related to implementation of the programming.
- Additional materials and 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.
- Venue rental for spaces not owned by the library
- Refreshments for attendees
- Supplemental activity supplies (crafts, hands-on activities, etc.)
- Technology costs such as meeting platform subscriptions, i.e., Zoom.
“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
