What Does it Mean to Get Grants?

Photo by 金 运 on Unsplash

If you follow our Facebook page, then you’ve probably noticed a lot of posts about grants that the PVLA has received. You might be thinking: Wow! Good for them!

You might also be thinking: What’s up with all these grants? What exactly is a grant?

And these are reasonable questions. This post will help clear up any confusion. 😊

What Are Grants?

In essence, grants are funds that are awarded to a nonprofit from some type of foundation, organization, or business. More often than not, the PVLA has to apply for these funds, and the awarding entity decides if our cause is worthy of money.

Grant funds are typically restricted, which means that they can only be used for a specific program or purpose.

For example, the PVLA offers a wide range of classes, including Book Club, Integration Class, Conversational English, Citizenship, etc. While all of these classes are amazing and help students become successful, they are not all covered by grant money.

Some organizations prefer to fund very specific programs, such as Tyson Foods awarding a grant specifically for the Introductory ESL class.

Or the Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation specifically sending money for the Integration and Citizenship classes.

When a grantor restricts funds to specific programs, the PVLA can only spend the money on those specific programs.

And those are perfectly reasonable and accepted practices. Every entity has something different they are interested in and want to support, so they send funds to help with causes/classes they care about.

Why So Many Grants?

And that brings us to why the PVLA has so many grants. With each one being allocated to a specific program, we need to make sure we have the funds necessary to pay instructors and provide students with up-to-date learning materials.

That’s why we have received so many grants recently. Each one takes care of a different program and ensures our nonprofit has what it needs to provide for students.

Having that many grants is a good thing. It means that others are invested in our mission and want to see the PVLA and our students succeed.

Grants Are Not Guaranteed

One thing to keep in mind with grants is that they are not guaranteed. The PVLA has been incredibly lucky to receive the funds that we have, and the money is used exactly for what it’s supposed to be used for.

We are so grateful to the foundations, organizations, and businesses that have awarded us grants so far this year. Again, it shows that these other places are just as invested in our mission as we are. With those funds, we get to keep providing services.

Celebrate Good Times

So, when you see a post on Facebook or even here on the blog talking about grants that the PVLA has been awarded, we hope that you celebrate with us. A win for us is a win for our students, which in turn is a win for Columbus. 

We are all intertwined, and what benefits one of us, benefits us all.

Once again, here’s a big THANK YOU to the entities that have awarded us grants so far:

Tyson Foods

Columbus Area United Way

Our local Walmart

Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation

Dollar General

Staying Focused on Your Studies Over the Summer

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Last week marked the end of the school year for Columbus Public Schools. There’s no doubt in our minds that the kids are extremely happy for the break, but having them home during the day can create some challenges for parents.

Between work and classes and taking care of your kids, it may feel like you don’t get much of a summer.

OR maybe you are planning a vacation during the warmer months. This is the best time to rest and relax, but it doesn’t leave much time for working on your English skills.

Don’t worry! Even if you aren’t in class, there are still some things you can do to ensure you’re staying focused over the summer.

1. Read with Your Kids

Probably the easiest way to ensure you continue to learn English over the summer is to read to your kids. It doesn’t matter what types of stories or books you choose, just make sure they’re in English. Whether it’s right before bed or in the middle of the day, reading with your kids can be incredibly enjoyable.

2. Listen to Audiobooks

In addition to reading with your kids, another option you have is to listen to audiobooks. There are a variety of apps that you can download onto your phone that give you access to a wide range of stories, so you’re sure to find something that you enjoy.

The best part about audiobooks is that you can listen while doing other things. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving, working, doing chores, or just hanging out, you can have a book playing in the background.

Audiobooks are ideal if you’re traveling. Whether you’re in the car or getting onto a plane, pop your headphones in, be transported to another world, and immerse yourself in some English!

3. Spend Some Time on Burlington English

If you happen to have the Burlington English app, spending some time on it during the summer can be incredibly beneficial—even if it’s only 5 minutes a day.

At night, right before you go to bed, instead of scrolling through social media, open the BE app and do a quick lesson. Sitting in a waiting room? This can be a great time to do some English lessons on your phone!

4. Go to Events and Talk to People

During the summer, there are tons of events to go to, and this can be a great time to practice your conversational English skills. Sure, it can be a bit intimidating to talk to others, but it’s also a great way to hone your skills and stay focused on your studies over the summer.

Plus, you’ll get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and have some fun!

It Doesn’t Take Much

Summer can be an incredibly busy time of year, and it can be hard to find time to study. However, by finding ways to include the kids or engage in activities while on the go, you can still study over the summer and improve your English skills.

We also hope to see you in class.

What to Expect During CCC ESL Registration

The spring semester is coming to an end, and that means registration for the next semester of CCC ESL classes will soon begin. Knowing what to expect during the process can be incredibly beneficial, so this post will walk you through the steps.

Step 1: The Phone Call

The first step in the CCC ESL registration process is receiving a phone call. The purpose of this call is to set up a time for you to come to the Family Resource Center so that you can fill out paperwork and test.

Step 2: The Online Assessment

Once you have a day and time scheduled, you will come to the Family Resource Center at 3020 18th St, Suite 4, and check in at the front desk. There will be up to 10 other students who are registering with you, so Alicia will direct you to the testing room and place you in front of a computer.

She will then walk you through the steps of what needs to be filled out on a form. Once that is completed, you will take your assessment.

The purpose of this assessment is to determine what level you are at. Knowing your level ensures you are placed in the correct classroom to receive the best instruction to improve your English-speaking skills.

Sections of the Assessment

There are two sections in the assessment: Reading and Listening

How long it takes you to complete your assessment will depend. On average, most students are finished in about 2 hours.

While it may sound scary and stressful to take an “assessment,” don’t worry! Again, the reason for the assessment is to make sure you’re placed in the right classroom to receive the best instruction.

Step 3: Your Class Schedule

Once the assessment has been completed, you will then be informed of which class to attend. Both morning and evening options are offered, so you will be placed in a class that best suits your schedule.

The next semester of classes begins on July 16, 2024. After you have received your class schedule, you will show up on the first day to start your ESL educational journey.

Get Started Earlier

If you’re looking for classes before the start of the semester in July, you might consider attending some PVLA classes. You don’t need to test for these, and you can show up whenever. Here are the options you can choose from:

 

Not signed up yet for CCC ESL classes but want to be? Fill out this form to get registered.

Got questions about CCC or PVLA ESL classes? Fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog or call 402-562-1463. Both the PVLA and CCC are looking forward to serving you!

A Good Start to Introductory ESL

Thanks to a $4,000 grant from Tyson Foods, the PVLA has been able to offer an Introductory ESL class to students. The first class was held on March 21, and as of April 25, six weeks of classes have been offered.

We are at the halfway mark for this 12-week course.

And let me tell you: we can’t be happier with how things are shaping up!

Welcoming New Students

The first class welcomed 7 students, and many of them continue to attend to this day. Every week, there has also been at least one new student joining in on the fun. Currently, 9 students are attending regularly.

The lessons that students are learning include filling out forms, numbers, and the alphabet, among others.

The instructor, Alicia, has already seen progress in her students. She says that when the students first started, they weren’t able to understand the command “Read the directions” when spoken in English.

However, now when she asks them to do that task (in English), they are able to comply—and do so promptly. They also know what it means to fill their names into forms and the difference between “reading” and “spelling” when it comes to assignments.

Measuring Success

When it comes to ESL success, progress isn’t measured in leaps and bounds; it’s measured in small increments. The progress the students have made in the Introductory ESL class is incredibly exciting and encouraging. We can’t wait to see what the next 6 weeks bring!

Introductory ESL classes are held on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Family Resource Center (3020 18th St, Suite 4) in Columbus, Nebraska. Anyone can join at any time.

For more information about this class, please fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog, send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!), or call 402-562-1463.