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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a $256,347 grant from the California State Library to support the Gene Mullin Community Learning Center’s English as a Second Language Program for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Fiscal Year 2025-26. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $256,347 in grant funding from the California State Library to support the Gene Mullin Community Learning Center’s English as a Second Language Program for Fiscal Year 2024-25 (FY 2024-25) and Fiscal Year 2025-26 (FY 2025-26)
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In Fiscal Year 2022-23, the Library received a grant in the amount of $96,309 from the California State Library to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) programming at the Gene Mullin Community Learning Center (GMCLC). In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the Library received a grant in the amount of $120,386 to continue ESL programming. On December 15, 2023, staff submitted an application for an additional two years of grant funding and on January 26, 2024, received official notification of a $123,525 grant award for FY 2024-25 and $132,822 for FY 2025-26.
The California State Library’s California Library Literacy Services ESL initiative provides our community with English as a Second Language services with the goal of supporting language acquisition for non-native English speakers from a learner-centered approach. Funding will be used to provide up to 50 participants in GMCLC’s project with 1. one-on-one/small group tutoring where learner/tutor teams establish a work plan based on each learner’s goals, and 2. an English vocabulary and pronunciation lab where learners are supported through trained staff/volunteers as they learn new words and phrases and practice pronunciation. Upon the recommendation of South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) Adult Education, grant funding supports the purchase of online access to the Burlington English ESL platform, <https://www.burlingtonenglish.com>, also used by SSFUSD Adult School students. There are currently 25 enrolled students in ESL classes, with an additional 32 interested students on a waiting list. Those on the waiting list are being assisted via the online platform in the GMCLC computer lab while awaiting openings in classroom instruction. GMCLC staff continues to work closely with our SSFUSD Adult Education, Economic Advancement Center, and Skyline College partners to promote smooth transitions between programs as participants advance in achieving their goals.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Library will include the grant funding as revenue and expenditures in the regular FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 operating budgets. Receipt of these funds does not commit the City to ongoing funding.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this funding will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2, Quality of Life, by supporting learning opportunities to community members.
CONCLUSION
Receipt of these funds will enable the Library to continue to provide ESL literacy services in South San Francisco through GMCLC’s English as a Second Language program. It is recommended that the City Council accept $256,347 in grant funding from the California State Library to support GMCLC’s ESL program.