Intermediate Unit 1 receives $58,000 state grant
Funding targeted for instructors for Charleroi immigrant population
Intermediate Unit 1 received $58,000 in state funding for instructors to teach English to the immigrant population in Charleroi.
Rachel Zilcosky, IU1’s supervisor of adult education and career readiness, said the funding is a continuing grant the Coal Center educational institution reapplies for every two years.
“It is a grant that is specified to support tutoring programs in Pennsylvania for adult literacy or English as a second language services,” Zilcosky explained.
She said the grant funds will go to retaining and recruiting volunteer tutors.
“Those tutors will be trained and supported to work mostly in Charleroi with our English as a second language population out there,” Zilcosky said. “We had previously used it all across Washington County. The funds are set aside for where they’re most in need and that’s definitely an area that’s most in need.”
A survey conducted in April 2023 showed that about 2,000 immigrants from 44 countries – including China, Spain, Indonesia and African countries – make Charleroi their home.
The local award was part of $1 million in state funding doled out across the state to train and support volunteer adult literacy instructors or tutors who instruct students in adult education and literacy programs.
Eligible grantees include school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical centers/vocational-technical schools, community colleges, literacy councils, local libraries, community-based organizations, and any other educational entity recognized by the secretary of education for providing appropriate and effective adult or family literacy education programs.