Moran “Investing in Northern Virginia Tour” Visits After-School Literacy Program

Highlights federal investments in Northern Virginia

Alexandria, Va. – To kick off the new event series: “Investing in Northern Virginia: Building our Community through Smart Federal Spending,” Congressman Jim Moran visited the Heritage Language Literacy Club (HLLC) after-school reading program at Groveton Elementary School on Wednesday afternoon.

HLLC provides after school classes for elementary-aged readers staffed by a bilingual teacher and young adult tutors. The program develops the bilingual skills of native Spanish speakers, increasing the number of minority students involved in constructive after-school activities.

“Federal investments in programs like the Heritage Language Literacy Club come back to the community tenfold,” said Rep. Moran. “These students are excited to learn skills they can use beyond the classroom. Bilingual employees – from health care professionals to educators to customer service representatives – are invaluable contributors to Northern Virginia’s economy.”

In 2010, Rep. Moran directed $200,000 toward the Heritage Language Literacy Club, created by the non-profit Prospera Initiatives Inc., in the FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The grant, disbursed through the Department of Education’s Fund for Improvement in Education, established HLLC at Groveton Elementary School and produced training materials to expand the HLLC model across Northern Virginia.

Through HLLC, participants develop relationships with successful role models of their own ethnic background. To encourage continued success for minority middle and high school aged students, tutors receive a college scholarship award upon successful completion of each year of service.

“We are thrilled that Congressman Moran continues to support Prospera Initiatives and the Heritage Language Literacy Club,” said Stephanie Fillman, Vice President for Program Development with Prospera Initiatives, Inc. “During his visit it was a pleasure to show Congressman Moran the effects of his support in the community and to introduce him to the children, youth, and parents the HLLC serves. The families were excited to meet him and show their gratitude for this program that supports native language literacy and contributes to bright futures for their children.”

Wednesday’s event was the first in the new series: “Investing in Northern Virginia: Building our Community through Smart Federal Spending,” developed to showcase important local programs that received federal funding. In the coming weeks, Moran will continue the tour, visiting other local recipients of federal funding, including the Phoenix House in Arlington, the Early Childhood Learning Institute in Alexandria, and the Best Buddies program.

To view photos of Wednesday’s event, please visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/repjimmoran/sets/72157629436373794/

###