6 Week Free Online Citizenship Course Offered In Crown Heights

CROWN HEIGHTS, NY — Assemblyman Brian Cunningham announced Tuesday that the New-York Historical Society’s Citizen Project is back and is offering free classes to his constituents in his district.

District 43 consists part of or all of Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens and the Little Caribbean.

"I am excited to be working with the NY Historical Society and the Arts Collective on this Citizenship Project," Cunningham told Patch. "There has always been a gap in our community on understanding citizenship and the benefits thereof. This city is strong because of the work of immigrants and we are proud to support them through these free classes. The largest population of immigrants in our district is from the Caribbean.

"The 43rd Assembly District is an important stronghold for the Caribbean diaspora. My duty as the child of Caribbean immigrants and the Assembly Member of this District is to support these initiatives that will continue to make large impacts in our community."

Cunningham is the son of Jamaican immigrants.

The historical society’s six week program, which people can start registering for today at nyhistory.org/citizenship, uses its art collection to teach American history to green card holders and other permanent residents seeking to become naturalized citizens, according to Cunningham’s Office.

There are four types of courses (online, in-person, Spanish and extended program with English reading and writing practice) and over 6,000 legal residents from all over the country have utilized the program over the years, Cunningham’s Office added.

The program covers all 100 naturalization questions and prepares people for the citizenship interview process, according to a press release from Cunningham’s Office. CUNY Citizenship Now!, which provides free immigration law services, is also a partner for the program.

"CUNY Citizenship Now! Is pleased to partner with the New York Historical Society to insure that every naturalization applicant in New York has the opportunity to receive quality exam preparation assistance," a spokesman from CUNY Citizen told Patch.

Currently, only the six week online courses are available and the later options will be available later this month. People can learn more about the initiative or register at thecitizenproject@nyhistory.org or call (212) 873-3400.

"I will ensure that this district will be a hub for arts, culture and education as we continue to bridge the equity gap and access for generations to come," Cunningham added.