Community Learning Center Students Participate in Civic Life

At the Community Learning Center (CLC), we help students learn new skills and prepare for jobs. We also encourage them to be active members of the Cambridge community.

Asnka is an ESOL student at the CLC. This March, Asnka and her classmates voted for their favorite five projects proposed through the City's Participatory Budgeting process. Participatory budget voting is open to all Cambridge residents ages 12 and older. "I got to vote and so did my kids!" says Asnka smiling.

Many CLC classes spent time learning about Participatory Budgeting and civic engagement. Civic engagement is helping and being involved in community life. "I like teaching my students about a way for them to influence how public money is being spent in Cambridge," says Paula, who has taught English at the CLC for over 30 years. "Next, we are planning to share ideas for future projects that could be funded by the 2027 Participatory Budget," she explains.

You don't need to be a U.S. citizen to vote for a Participatory Budgeting project, join a neighborhood group, volunteer, or go to City meetings. But becoming a U.S. citizen allows you to vote in local, state and national elections. The CLC has a Citizenship class to help people get ready to take their citizenship test. Max is a volunteer in the Citizenship class. He helps ESOL students learn U.S. history and practice answering questions for the naturalization interview. "I like working with adults and immigrants," he says. "Volunteering at the CLC has made me think a lot about what it means to be a member of a community and engage in civil society in the U.S.," says Max.

The CLC also encourages students to participate in civic life by using their voice to advocate for change. In mid-March, a group CLC students and staff went to the Massachusetts State House in Boston for the 30th Annual Immigrants' Day. During their visit they met with State Representative Mike Connolly, who represents parts of Cambridge and Somerville. "It was a great experience," says Mai Anh, one of the students who traveled to the State House. "I learned more about Massachusetts history, and I feel more connected to the community in Massachusetts. I am more comfortable living here now."

Participating in the community helps people feel like they belong. At the CLC, one of our goals is to help all our students know they belong.

If you are interested in learning more about the CLC, visit our website or visit us at 5 Western Ave. in Central Square.