The Houston Endowment has awarded the Houston Public Library (HPL) a generous $200,000 grant to reinvigorate its highly acclaimed Journey to Citizenship program. This funding will support the relaunch of HPL’s comprehensive courses, including "Introduction to Citizenship" and "Civics and Literacy," designed to assist adult learners in mastering the essential components of the U.S. naturalization exam.

Empowering Future Citizens:

The seven-week courses offered by HPL are meticulously structured to help participants excel in the reading, writing, and vocabulary sections of the naturalization test. Each 90-minute class delves into the 100 civics exam questions, covering critical areas such as American government and history, rights and responsibilities, and integrated civics. Available across various HPL locations, these classes are vital for individuals eager to understand the privileges and duties of U.S. citizenship, enhance their knowledge, and build strong community ties. The program is designed to equip participants with the confidence and information necessary to successfully attain U.S. citizenship.

Innovative Resources and Expert Guidance:

Thanks to this substantial grant, HPL will introduce new citizenship kits that include civics flashcards, pocket-sized copies of the Declaration of Independence, an "Introduction to U.S. History" DVD, and more. MYLink cardholders can borrow these kits, gaining valuable tools to support their journey toward citizenship. The grant will also facilitate the hiring of certified citizenship instructors, ensuring the program's continued expansion and success.

Comprehensive Services at HPL:

In addition to its citizenship classes, HPL serves as a full-service destination for applying for and renewing passports at multiple locations throughout the city. Passport services are conveniently available at six HPL branches, including the new Walker Neighborhood Library at 11630 Chimney Rock Rd. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the https://www.houstonlibrary.org/passports website or call 832-393-7277.

About Houston Endowment:

Founded in 1937 by Jesse H. Jones and Mary Gibbs Jones, the Houston Endowment is a private foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents of Greater Houston. With assets exceeding $2 billion, the foundation invests around $100 million annually in initiatives aimed at strengthening public education, increasing civic engagement, and enhancing the region’s arts and parks. The Houston Endowment collaborates with fellow Houstonians to pursue ambitious goals, build strategic partnerships, and invest in innovative, equity-focused solutions to foster a thriving community.

About Houston Public Library:

Serving one of the largest populations and areas in the country, the Houston Public Library is a dynamic organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, customer-focused services to 2.3 million residents. The HPL system comprises 44 public service units, including one Central Library, five Regional Libraries, 29 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, three TECHLinks, one satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, one cafécollege Houston center, and one Mobile Express unit.

For more information on the Journey to Citizenship program and other services offered by the Houston Public Library, visit https://www.houstonlibrary.org