Spanish Immersion Program for Children in Fresno

The University of California, Merced will offer its third annual Spanish Immersion Program in Fresno this summer for young students from June 14 through July 9, 2004.

Children do not need to know Spanish to enroll; both native Spanish speakers and English-only children are welcome. The program’s goal is to introduce the language through drama, music, art, science, stories and games. A fully credentialed Spanish immersion teacher will provide innovative, all-Spanish instruction. Educational benefits of early language instruction include improved school performance, problem-solving skills, creativity, bilingualism and multicultural competency.

The programs will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Fresno Metropolitan Museum in downtown Fresno. Sessions will be offered for primary students (grades 2 and 3) and for intermediate students (grades 4 through 6). The cost is $400 per student for the 4-week program.

Bank of America and United Security Bank have generously provided four student scholarships that will cover the cost of the program. The deadline for scholarship applications is May 12.

Interested parents can enroll their children between by contacting David Mendoza at (559) 241-7416. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. Early enrollment is encouraged.