Cornerstones offers a free American Citizenship Class designed to help students pass their American Citizenship exam, improve their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students also learn about civics, organizational skills, time management, working with other cultures and trust building.
Becoming citizens helps the students on their journey toward self-sufficiency, including access to better employment and benefits like health insurance. The program creates a feeling of community within the classroom, where students from diverse backgrounds can work together in a supportive learning environment. Through their participation in the class, the students have increased their self-confidence and learned team-building skills as they support one another throughout the citizenship application process.
Abdul and Hawanatu, husband and wife with their son and grandson at Hawanatu’s American citizenship swearing in ceremony.
To date, 136 students from 26 countries have become citizens because of Cornerstones’ American citizenship program. The 25 countries are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel/Palestine, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Mauritius, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Korea, Sudan and Syria.
About Our Classes:
FREE
Open to all adults age 18 and older
Free learning materials
Must be able to speak, read, write and understand English
No residency restrictions
Students are welcome to join the class at any time
Offered year-round
Location & Time:
Cornerstones, Inc.
11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210
Reston, VA 20190
571-323-9555
Every Tuesday 11 AM – 2 PM
About the Instructor:
Gillian Sescoe was a federal employee who spent much of her career immersed in numerous cultures overseas serving her country. Herself a naturalized citizen, Gillian is equal parts cheerleader, teacher, confidante, and cultural liaison. Gillian works tirelessly to assist her students in overcoming linguistic, cultural, financial and even transportation barriers so they are able to attend the class. Under her tutelage, participants improve their level of English competency while learning the necessary information to successfully complete the naturalization test.