Denver Public Schools And Mexicans And Americans Thinking Together Launch Free English Teaching Program

Released on: August 20, 2010, 1:52 pm
Author: Margaret R Pulles / PuMa Communications & Cultural Services
Industry: Non Profit

Denver, CO – Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT) and Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced the launch of MATT Maestro en Casa (“Teacher at Home”) English immersion program to be implemented in Denver, Colorado, through radio station MARIA 1090 AM. The immigrant integration program teaches English and essential tools to help immigrants fully integrate into American society.

Denver Public Schools will partner with MATT to implement the program throughout the school district. “We are excited to be able to offer our families this innovative English-learning and integration program,” said Denver Superintendent Tom Boasberg.“DPS recognizes the importance of empowering families to become active partners in their children’s education, and learning English will help parents improve their ability to communicate with their children and also better understand Denver’s education system. We look forward to reaching at least 5,000 parents throughout the city who want to learn English.”

The program, spearheaded by Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles, Jose H. Gomez who also serves on MATT’s board of directors, is pleased that the program, highly successful in Texas, is now expanding to Colorado. “We are most pleased to know that we are serving those who most need it; Latinos who lack English language skills are less likely to incorporate into society and succeed. We are committed to working with the communities across America to see that everyone has the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.”

The program consists of six courses: Introduction; In the Workplace; Finance; Health Care; Education; and Citizenship. The lessons take four weeks to complete; are transmitted on radio three times a week; and, are supplemented with workbooks distributed for free to those who wish to take the courses. Participants will simply be required to complete a basic registration form to begin the program.

MATT Maestro en Casa lessons will be transmitted on MARIA 1090 AM beginning September 15. Participants of the program will need to tune-in to the radio three times per week: Wednesdays at 9:30 PM and Saturdays at 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM. MATT Executive Director Aracely Garcia-Granados believes that “Colorado will be a wonderful resource for parents who need to learn English. MATT is pleased with the Denver Public Schools support and efforts to implement the program countywide. Without a local partner we couldn’t be as effective in reaching the community we wish to serve. We are very grateful and look forward to working together.”

For more information about the MATT Maestro en Casa program in Denver, visit www.dpsk12.org/maestroencasa. To learn more about the MATT Foundation, visit www.matt.org.

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Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT) is a San Antonio-based bi-national, non-profit organization with a presence in Washington, DC and Mexico City. MATT’s mission is to bridge the gaps of understanding between Mexicans and Americans and address quality of life issues so both nations may truly prosper together. MATT implements programs focused on immigration integration, economic development and education. MATT is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of business and thought leaders from the U.S. and Mexico. For more information, visit the MATT website at www.matt.org or contact MATT toll free at 1-866-980-MATT (6288).

Contact Details: 1718 M Street, NW, Suite 204 Washington, DC 20036
Tel 202.492.4849
Email info@pumacommunications.com
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