Introduction to America

 

Introduction to America Program addresses the special challenges facing newly arrived immigrant high school students with little or no English language skills to the Yonkers Public Schools.   The Introduction to America Program will assign bilingual volunteers to work with students on a one-to-one basis to increase their communications skills and familiarize them with American culture.

  

Our goal is to provide newly arrived immigrant students with a bilingual mentor who can offer a safe, comfortable haven within their own school where the student can receive academic and personal assistance. A bilingual mentor will give a student the chance to pose questions and share his/her opinion. Mentors will also join the student’s ESL class and provide individual support.

  

We currently have students who speak Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Creole and Bengali, and expect more newcomers who speak other languages as well. Mentors are required to make a minimum weekly commitment of 90 minutes per week.

  

The program is currently being held at Gorton High School and the Early College High School and is expected to grow to three other high schools in the district.