Hartford serves as a primary resettlement portal for refugees worldwide, and is a continuous gateway with an immigrant population share above the national average. Nearly 22% of Hartford’s residents are foreign-born and 47% of Hartford residents 5 years and older speak a language other than English at home. English Learners (ELs) are the fastest growing demographic in Connecticut’s urban public schools. Yet, opportunities to safeguard EL’s rights to an equitable education and excel along with fellow students remain sparse. First-generation students face many barriers to success, including a lack of familiarity with American culture and the English language. Many young immigrants have additional responsibilities like caring for younger siblings and translating for the family, making it difficult to carve out time and resources to pursue their own dreams. Recently arrived high schoolers are expected to master academic content in a new language and prepare for testing in 2 years or less.

Opportunity for All offers an evidence-based, high-dosage tutoring program and an intensive summer bridge model proven effective for accelerating learning. High-dosage tutoring—defined as more than three days per week or at a rate of at least 50 hours over 36 weeks—is one of the few school-based interventions with demonstrated large positive effects on both math and reading achievement. Any stigma that may be attached to tutoring is removed by offering sessions within the Library’s welcoming and inclusive environment. 15 culturally competent professional tutors and one certified English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor provided instruction and mentorship to students, with the result of strengthening linguistic and academic skills, promoting social integration, and creating a sense of belonging. HPL recruited professionally-trained teachers who have experience working with English learners through AmeriCorps and various professional education organizations.

Recognized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for its teen citizenship initiatives, HPL served 75 high school students from more than 20 different countries with after-school ESL, academic, and social support this year. 30 program students received the Seal of Biliteracy from Hartford Public Schools, a national designation in recognition of proficiency in more than one language. 35 students, coming from 18 different countries, attended 80% or more of this summer’s intensive bridge program sessions. 40 graduates of 6 local high schools will be attending 8 colleges this fall. HPL advisors provide 1-on-1 support for college financial aid applications. Without this support, many of these students would have no idea how to access resources to help them get there. HPL has a 6-year history of successful after-school ESL implementation serving immigrant and refugee youth, and over 2 decades of demonstrated success through its citizenship program The American Place.