About Access

The purpose of the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access Program) is to make the study of English more accessible to adolescents from an economically disadvantaged background. In addition, while working on their language skills, the participants will become familiar with aspects of US culture and thus develop a deeper understanding of current issues in North American society. A greater sensitivity to cultural differences, coupled with the acquired language skills, will enable the participants to take advantage of opportunities that had previously been unavailable to them.

The program will works with 252 economically-underprivileged students aged 13-17 in ten regions of Georgia (Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Batumi, Telavi, Gori, Rustavi, Akhaltsikhe, Guria, Poti and Abrolauri), providing after-school and summer English classes and enrichment activities at no cost to the students and enhancing English language skills thereby developing increased self-confidence, stronger critical thinking skills, and increased opportunities for study or employment.

The 420-hour program is meant for two school years and consists of an induction or start-up session (2 hours) and 178 hours of after school instruction plus 30 hours of summer camp per year. The six hours of instruction per week takes place in sessions held three times a week. Total course time for each phase is calculated on the basis of face-to-face and virtual classes. Coursework is appropriate for the students’ age and interests and provides opportunities to use English in real and meaningful situations. Students receive ongoing feedback on progress and personalized support.

PH International works with local NGO partners in four regions to provide English language instruction, as well as involve locally-based Peace Corps volunteers and American Corners in enrichment activities.

This program addresses three main areas:

English language acquisition:

Students develop intermediate to advanced levels in understanding and expressing themselves in English (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), with a special emphasis placed on listening comprehension and speaking.

Culture:

Students have increased insights and appreciation for American culture and values. Students are encouraged to develop respect for and interest in other cultures, customs and beliefs.

Personal Development:

Students develop leadership and interpersonal skills.

Each NGO holds a one-week summer day camp for all Access Program students in their locality in July of each year. Day camps run six hours a day for five days.  The summer camps provide students with English and American culture training and recreational activities. Karaoke competitions, American movie clubs, American sports games, drama, music and arts and crafts are all included in the agenda. Fluency-focused instructions, as well as activity and task-based assignments are highlighted.

The program is designed for public school students, between 13 to 15 years of age, who have a minimal knowledge of English.  This program is exclusively directed at economically disadvantaged youth.  The following is a list of minimum requirements for enrollment in the program:

Educational Establishment	Public school
Age	13– 17 years old (students entering their last year of school are excluded)
Entry Requirement	Minimal knowledge of English
Socio-Economic status	Lower to lower-middle class
Academic Performance	Average grades for  previous year at least 7 (on 1-10 scale)
Behavior report	Acceptable

More information:

• www.ph-int.org/what_we/pr179