CE-BELL
Civic Engagement for Beginning English Language Learners (CE-BELL) is a modified version of our Civics and Citizenship after-school program, which is explicitly designed for this steadily growing population of low-level (I-II) ESOL students.
The vision for CE-BELL is to create an environment that inspires our immigrant youth to dream bigger and explore the endless opportunities this country offers them. This program is run entirely in Spanish. Through this approach, students leave each session with a greater sense of confidence in themselves knowing that their strengths and cultural diversity are valued. Successful immigrant guest speakers are invited and they will share their stories with our youth to instill motivation and encouragement into their lives. CE-BELL includes a modest English language component and all the activities are designed to be of the most use and relevance to the community’s newest arrivals.
CE-BELL provides the perfect opportunity for students to develop self-worth, as well as help them set personal goals, improve attendance, and ensure diploma completion.
Program Updates
With the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, our youth spent the spring semester reflecting on what America means to them and what their hopes and dreams are not only for the future of the country, but for their own futures as well. At Montgomery Blair High School, youth participated in an art workshop with The Civic Circle, where they learned about democracy while creating their own version of the U.S. flag. Students used symbols, quotes, and images to express how they felt about the U.S. as immigrants. In March, a few students participated in The Civic Circle’s Democracy Fest and presented their flag!
Montgomery Blair students presenting their flag during The Civic Circle’s Youth Democracy Fest
How can you help?
“Aprendía que no importa de dónde seamos siempre podemos hacer nuestros sueños reales.”
— Maria, El Salvador