Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Accept Grant Funds in the Amount of $18,790 from the California State Library’s California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) English as a Second Language (ESL) Grant to fund an enhanced ESL program of the Project Literacy adult and family literacy service
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Community Engagement and Outreach
• Community & Business Development
• Race and Equity Initiatives
SUMMARY
In November 2022, the San Leandro Public Library’s Project Literacy applied for English as a Second Language (ESL) grant from the California State Library. On December 29, 2022, the Library was notified it was awarded $18,790 from California State Library’s California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) in order to provide enhanced literacy services with a focus on ESL to the San Leandro community.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution to accept the CLLS ESL grant award for FY 2022-2023 totaling $18,790 and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents and appropriate the funds.
BACKGROUND
The California State Library’s CLLS Grant has annually funded the San Leandro Public Library’s Project Literacy since 1989. It is awarded based on a funding formula (Attachment B). It funds the library’s efforts for adult and family literacy programs for English speakers.
The CLLS ESL grant will enhance Project Literacy’s efforts by providing funding that can be used for adult literacy efforts, especially for people for which English is a second language.
Analysis
For FY 2022-2023, the award packet (Attachment C) provides $18,790 for Project Literacy to serve limited- and non-English speaking adult students, as well as adult students who wish to improve their English verbal communication and listening skills. Under the current CLLS grant, Project Literacy can only serve English-speaking adults who have at least one stated goal of improving their basic reading and/or writing skills and prospective adult students must be able to do the intake assessment in English (California State Library - CLLS, 2023); so any adult students who do not have the necessary English verbal communication skills needed to benefit from Project Literacy are referred out to another community service that would better suit their needs (for which many times those services don’t exist, require a fee, or are held at times that are not conducive to employment). CLLS ESL funds would allow Project Literacy to teach English to adult students in their native language, to accept more adult students into the program regardless of their English communication level, to purchase ESL learning materials, and to provide tutoring services that focus on basic English language acquisition which leads to workforce development.
Expenditures must comply with the California Library Literacy Services allowable and unallowable cost guide (Attachment D).
Applicable General Plan Policies
• GOAL CSF-3 Sustain and expand a public library system that provides a destination for exploration and discovery, knowledge and information, leisure and cultural enrichment, and life-long learning opportunities for persons of all ages.
o Policy CSF-3.5 Resources for Self-Improvement. Ensure that San Leandro’s libraries and other community institutions provide a setting for the open exchange of ideas and information and provide an opportunity for residents of all backgrounds to improve their skills and knowledge.
• GOAL CSF-4 Maximize access to information and communication services for San Leandro residents and businesses.
o Policy CSF-4.3 Computer Training and Digital Literacy. Support continuing education and computer training programs to increase computer literacy and skill levels among San Leandro residents.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
By the nature of this program, we conduct outreach to the community to find adult literacy learners and volunteer tutors. Additionally, we will be using AmeriCorps volunteers to actively engage the community for the ESL efforts.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney has reviewed these documents and agreements and approved as to form.
Financial Impacts
Acceptance of this grant will not impact the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 General Fund. There is no local contribution required. The state CLLS ESL grant funding will be awarded upfront will be deposited into the150-3607 Revenue Account and expended as follows:
• Project Literacy - ESL program, Account 150-68-021: $18,790
• Total $18,790
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution of the City of San Leandro City Council to Authorize the City Manager to Accept and Execute All Documents Related to the Grant Funds Awarded by the California State Library’s CLLS ELS Grant to Fund the San Leandro Public Library’s Project Literacy Efforts for Adult English as a Second Language Instruction in the Amount of $18,790.
Attachment B: CLLS Funding Formula.
Attachment C: CLLS ESL FY 2022-2023 Award Packet from the California State Library.
Attachment D: CLLS Allowable and Unallowable Expenses, November 2022.
PREPARED BY: Alex Velasquez, Project Literacy Coordinator; Armando Rivera, Senior Librarian - Adult Services; and Brian Simons, Library Director, Library Department.