USCIS Citizenship and Integration Training Academy Grant

OCPE is charged with promoting instruction and training on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. USCIS recognizes that naturalization is a key milestone in the civic integration of immigrants. Naturalization requirements, such as knowledge of English, U.S. history, and government, encourage civic learning and build a strong foundation upon which immigrants can fully integrate into American society. Through preparing for naturalization, immigrants gain tools to become successful citizens and meet their responsibilities as United States citizens. The goal of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) across the nation and to provide opportunities for immigrants to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate into the fabric of American society. Since it began in 2009, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has awarded more than $55 million through 644 competitive grants to immigrant-serving organizations in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Now in its 16th year, the program has helped more than 300,000 LPRs prepare for citizenship.

The Citizenship Integration Training Academy (CITA) funding opportunity aims to train a new cadre of citizenship instructors and oversee the development of new citizenship programs. This funding will provide support to organizations that have not previously received USCIS grant funding. In year one of the grant, the CITA will provide twelve months of rigorous, mandatory virtual training for grant recipient staff designed to impart the requisite technical skills, knowledge, and capacity to enable them to establish and implement a high-quality citizenship education program for LPRs in years two and three. During years two and three, program implementation will be closely followed and supported by USCIS staff, who will provide technical assistance to grant recipients. This grant also offers an optional component for funded organizations to pursue and establish a naturalization application services program staffed by two Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representatives. Interested organizations may independently pursue status as a Department of Justice (DOJ) Recognized Organization during year one, with the cost of this training and designated staff time reimbursed through Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA) grant funding. During years two and three, participating grant recipients will begin offering naturalization application services in conjunction with their citizenship education program.