The BYU Office of Belonging, Department of Linguistics, and English Language Center are excited to announce the launch of the BYU Belonging Citizenship Clinic. This experiential learning course offers BYU students a unique opportunity to give Christ-like service by supporting immigrants learning English and civics related to the naturalization process.

Students will be trained in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) skills and will practice principles of covenant belonging to help immigrants to feel greater connection and unity with their community (see Mosiah 18:8–10). Students will build leadership, empathy, and communication skills; gain intercultural and language-support skills; and teach civics topics—U.S. history, government, and an overview of the naturalization process. The experience is especially valuable for students interested in TESOL, immigration law, or community-based service.

This 2-credit Student Development course includes four weeks of training and ten weeks of teaching, held on Thursday evenings from 7:00–9:00 p.m. No prior experience is required—just a desire to love and serve God’s children.

Students earn credit through StDev 214R (Belonging Citizenship Clinic), using an add-code to add the course.

Interested BYU students are encouraged to apply now to join the Winter Semester cohort.

Note to potential immigrant participants: This program serves individuals who meet or are close to meeting the basic requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship. Please review citizenship requirements at the USCIS website before applying. The Belonging Citizenship Clinic provides education only. The Clinic and its students do not provide legal advice or determine citizenship eligibility, and participation does not guarantee citizenship. Learn more and apply by visiting the BYU English Language Center’s website.

For more information, contact Scott Goodwin at scott_goodwin@byu.edu.