City of St. Petersburg Arts & Culture Grants 2024-2025

Florida Humanities invites public libraries and library systems to apply for funding to host English for Families, a multi-week series of interactive classes. This program is designed for adults and children (ages 6-12) to develop English vocabulary and literacy skills through strategic and fun story reading. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities and theory of change," aligns with promoting literacy and cultural understanding within the state. This program contributes to that broader mission by addressing a critical need for language proficiency among Florida residents. The target beneficiaries for the English for Families program are individuals whose native language is not English (ESOL), specifically adults and school-age children (ages 6-12). The primary impact goal is to develop the literacy skills of the whole family, laying a path to success at work and school. This holistic approach recognizes that language proficiency for both children and adults is crucial for overall family well-being and community integration. The program's priorities and focuses include improving language proficiency through essential reading strategies for school-age children to achieve success in the classroom, while also developing adults’ basic language skills. The program emphasizes interactive learning and can be delivered either in-person or virtually, ensuring accessibility. Selected libraries are required to host at least two series of 10 sessions each, demonstrating a commitment to sustained educational engagement. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved English vocabulary and literacy skills for both adults and children. The program aims to increase language proficiency, leading to greater success in academic and professional settings. While specific metrics are not provided in the description, the focus on "developing literacy skills of the whole family, laying a path to success at work and school" implies that improvements in these areas would be the desired and ultimately measurable results. The program is developed in partnership with the Orange County Library System (OCLS), which suggests a well-structured curriculum designed to achieve these outcomes.