FHLP Grant Cycle - 2023-2024

FRENCH HERITAGE LANGUAGE PROGRAM

2023-2024

Annual Grant Program Application Form

The French Heritage Language Program (FHLP) invites proposals for programs that help K-12 students develop their language skills as an asset in their new life in the US. Our focus includes, but is not limited to, AP coursework, college prep, and arts programs, all spotlighting Francophone cultures from Africa, the Caribbean or North America.

Background

The French Heritage Language Program (FHLP), a collaboration between Albertine Foundation and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States, is a key component of President Emmanuel Macron's "French for All" fund launched in 2022. This initiative aims to bolster the growth and enrichment of French language education and bilingualism in the United States, spanning from kindergarten to higher education. FHLP is dedicated to aiding both francophone immigrants and young Americans with francophone roots in preserving their linguistic and cultural heritage. Its mission is to uplift and nurture the French language and Francophone cultures among underserved French heritage language speakers in the U.S.

Definition

In the context of the French Heritage Language Program (FHLP), a French heritage language speaker is an individual, typically a student, who is raised in a home where French is spoken, either by parents, caregivers, or both. These individuals often have a personal, familial, or cultural connection to the French language. They come from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of French proficiency. It is possible that their exposure to the broader English-speaking environment in the United States has made them more proficient in English, but this in no way diminishes their unique linguistic journey.

Heritage speakers differ from traditional world language learners because they have a direct connection to the language through their family, community, or cultural background. For these individuals, the heritage language plays a significant role in their identity and cultural heritage. However, they might need formal education to develop literacy and higher levels of proficiency in the language.

Objectives

Through the French Heritage Language Program, the aim is to ensure that French-speaking students not only retain their heritage language but also strengthen it in ways that will benefit them in their new lives in the United States. This means being committed to offering a broad range of high-quality French language programs, from AP coursework to college prep and arts programs. Moreover, there is a strong emphasis on incorporating cultural elements from Francophone countries, particularly from West Africa and the Caribbean, into the curriculum. By doing so, we collectively value and validate the diverse cultures the students come from but also use French as a tool to improve their social integration and academic performance, enhancing their overall opportunities in their adopted country.

Our aim over the next five years is to strengthen the impact of this approach across US cities experiencing significant levels of Francophone immigration and to double our reach to 500 students.

Financial Resources

Thanks to the unwavering generosity of its esteemed benefactors, the FHLP grant program is poised to make a substantial impact. The program will be distributing grants of up to $30,000. These funds will serve as a catalyst for the development of enriching educational initiatives and initiatives that foster a deep appreciation for the French language and culture in the United States.

Non-Financial Resources

In our pursuit of creating vibrant and effective French Heritage Language programs, our initiative prioritizes the provision of essential non-financial resources. These encompass a meticulously organized and comprehensive catalogue of resources, which is an indispensable tool for teachers participating in the FHLP.

This catalogue serves as a repository of thoroughly curated materials tailored to cater to the specific needs and proficiency levels of heritage language speakers. By having resources categorized and readily accessible, teachers can efficiently plan and deliver their lessons, ensuring a structured and effective approach to teaching French heritage classes.

Ultimately, this catalog fosters a dynamic and adaptable teaching environment, promoting the successful acquisition and preservation of the French language among heritage speakers at various stages of proficiency. Participating schools and teachers will collaborate to develop a cohesive curricular framework for the FHLP, ensuring a unified and effective approach to language and culture instruction.

Moreover, our FHLP coordinator stands as a pillar of support, offering guidance, expertise, and a wealth of experience to both program administrators and instructors. Their role is instrumental in shaping the program's trajectory and ensuring its continued success.

These non-financial resources form the bedrock of our approach, reflecting our steadfast belief in their paramount importance. We are convinced that they constitute a cornerstone of our call to action, empowering us to make a lasting and positive impact on the preservation and promotion of French language and culture among heritage speakers.

Eligibility

Proposals are primarily and preferentially sought from school districts wishing to implement courses during school hours. However, we also welcome proposals from afterschool programs and community organizations.

Key Focus Areas

The Need/Problem: Affordable French courses for youth for whom French is a heritage language, insufficient support for Francophone students from second language French courses, and desire from older Francophone generations to pass on their heritage.

Target Population: Geographic location, socio-economic status, cultural and linguistic heritage, and age groups (primary school students included).

Pedagogy (Curriculum): Inclusion of cultural orientation centering around the student's heritage.

Evaluation Criteria: Student numbers and retention, progress evaluation, community involvement/partnerships.

Program Financing: Cost-sharing model, reporting obligations.

Call for Proposals Schedule

Proposal submission period: October 2, 2023 – December 15, 2023.
Communication about accepted projects: Beginning of January 2023.

We look forward to receiving your innovative proposals and joining hands to support the education of our young, underserved Francophone population. Please submit your proposals by December 20, 2023.

Kindly share this call for proposals with those who may be interested.

Contact
Yann Gaboriau, Program Coordinator, fhlp@face-foundation.org