Community Programs
The Alliance offers after-school and summer program services to at-risk children ages 10-17 and parents in the Southwest Houston area. Parents attend ESL classes and are referred to employment training opportunities within the community. This program increases parents' involvement in the education of their children by promoting a three-way communication between parents, the school system and the children.
This program provides youth with homework and tutorial assistance by college-student mentors, computer lab, financial literacy classes, life skills education, recreational activities, community services projects and cultural opportunities. The program also involves youth in creating their own community newsletter and participating and leading community service projects to respond to issues facing their neighborhood.
Gulfton Community Youth Development Program
This is crime prevention program funded by Harris County Protective Services for Children and Adults ("HCPS"). The program consists of after school youth empowerment classes which cover computer technology, life-skills, and recreational and cultural activities. Staff counselors encourage youth leadership and service and also tutor students to improve performance at school. The grant allows us to create a safe and structured environment for youth in the after school hours. Kijana Teens After School Program
Drivers Education
The goal of Drivers Education program is to provide eligible refugees and other clients with classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training to help them develop this skill which is so critical for employment and self-sufficiency. Our classroom instruction meets new Texas state requirements for young adults who are seeking to obtain their licenses.
- For refugee clients, Drivers Education program is funded by Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), through the Texas Health and Human Service Commission, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (THHSC-OIRA).
- For individuals age 18-25 who are not refugee clients we offer Texas required classroom instruction to obtain a permit for a reasonable fee.
For more information about this service provided to non-refugee individuals, please see details here, and/or contact Ayele Michael at amichael@allianceontheweb.org
Adult Literacy/English as a Second Language (ESL)
Program goal is to provide English language instructions to eligible limited-English-proficient (LEP) population so that they can acquire the language skills necessary to become self-sufficient/employable as quickly as possible.
English as a Second Language instruction emphasizes contextualized instruction on job readiness and related vocabulary, health and safety, financial literacy, navigating the community, food and shopping, etc. All classes include explicit instruction in listening, speaking, reading and writing of the English language.
ESL classes are offered from 9:00am - 12:00PM, 12:30 - 3:30PM, and from 5:30PM - 8:30PM. All classes are Monday through Thursday. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 60 hours of class. AMCS offers four levels of instruction: Basic Literacy, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students are given a placement exam at the time of enrollment to determine their level. Orientation on the first day of classes is mandatory. Students must register in person, and a valid picture ID is required, social security cards are preferred.
AMCS offers free daycare for children 6 and under while their parents are attending classes. Vaccination cards are required to enroll children, and the limit is two per family.
Refugee Healthy Marriage
Program goal is to provide marriage and family education programs to the specialized needs of refugee populations to combat the stresses on the family structure. The Refugee Healthy Marriage Program is currently funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Program activities include culturally and linguistically appropriate communication and conflict resolution workshops to unmarried, married, and married with children, and young adult refugees to help improve their relationships and enrich their families.
Immigration Services
This program assists refugees, immigrants, and asylees in navigating the complex process of applying to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Program services are self-supporting. Services include:
- Citizenship/Naturalization Applications
- Permanent Residency Green Cards
- K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas
- Visitor Visas
- Information and Referral
To meet with our immigration specialist, come early on a Wednesday (office opens at 8:30) and take a number from the receptionist.
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International Projects
In 2000, revision of the Alliance's by-laws allowed for international projects. The purpose of starting international projects is to "engage in domestic and international programs that focus on peace, democracy and development in order to help minimize conflict and population displacement." These projects are still in their conception stage.