Programs for Underprivileged Students

The English Access Microscholarship Program is an English-language program sponspored by the U.S. State Deparment that focuses on highly motivated students from economically under-privileged families.  The program is offered in six Russian cities but we are highlighting it here with the hope that the idea inspires more Russian teachers to implement similar programs in their local schools.  For some ideas on how to implement such a program please read "D. Programs for Underprivileged Children" towards the bottom of page http://www.eltrussia.ru/articles_21_19.html under "Recent Highlights" on this website.

You can get details about the Access Program, if you go to Khasavyurt Access Program website http://www.accesskhas.ru/ or

Visit ACCESS-Rostov at: http://access-rostov.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

At this site you will see how kids from Rostov-on-Don spent their time at the Summer School '09.

http://picasaweb.google.ru/rozina.irina/SummerCampRainbowACCESSRostov2009?feat=directlink

Russia Overview: the program offers the opportunity to share ideas with talented teachers and with exceptionally motivated teenagers in a productive and comfortable environment. These programs benefit from regular participation from visiting English-teaching Fellows, Specialists and Fulbrighters. They have attracted praise from educators, administrators and Russian and American citizens, many of whom feel it is a great contribution to English-teaching and reaching students who may not have access to special programs. This model of summer sessions and foreign language education has influenced hundreds of teachers to adopt a more interactive, student-centered approach. You may also wish to contact the English-language Office at the U.S. Embassy for more information about these teaching methods and how to reach this target pupil population.

Access Program in 2010-2012

Dear ELT Friends,

We’re happy to announce that Access is officially “social!”  We have new and exciting opportunities for Access students, teachers, alumni, and coordinators worldwide to connect with each other:
• The Access Network: a custom-designed Ning site exclusively for Access participants. This site features discussion forums, blogs, photos, videos, and chats. Members can make friends within the Network and enjoy getting to know each other. Teachers are able to discuss Access best practices and share resources on the forum. While students are able to discuss their commitment to learning and leadership, and will have the opportunity to apply to be “discussion leaders” about topics they consider important.

• Facebook – English Access Microscholarship Program Headquarters: a fan page connecting our programs worldwide.  We encourage programs to share photos  and stories and individuals to introduce themselves and share their thoughts about Access. We’re also trying to connect with the many program and country-wide Access Facebook pages.

• The Access Alumni Community:  A community for current and former Access students and teachers on the State Alumni network, with features like an online resource center of academic journals for Access alumni.

You can find more out about the English Access Microscholarship Program at http://moscow.usembassy.gov/elo-programs.html.

Regards,

English Language Office
U.S. Embassy Moscow

    “Multicultural America” – Birobidzhan Access summer camp– 2011

Throughout our three weeks together, the pupils and teachers were able to gain

some good experience in discussion and communication.  Studying different

cultural topics provided opportunities for self-realization and expression, as well

as insights into modern American English and its roots.  Some of the more

entertaining topics gave a chance for fun and laughter; and the more serious

topics helped the students to think and develop their cognitive abilities.