Library program helps immigrant teens build English skills beyond the textbook

Providence: Brown University sophomore Justin Dunn spent the summer teaching a 4-week English course to teens at the Providence Public Library through the university’s SPRINT-iProv fellowship.

Instead of only classroom work, Dunn took students to places like a local Maruichi market to practice speaking with cashiers and ran résumé workshops to build job-ready language skills.“We’re helping these students, but I’m learning and gaining just as much,” Dunn said.

The program highlights how community-based learning can boost confidence for teens navigating jobs, school, and daily life. Dunn was one of 40 Brown undergraduates working with Providence nonprofits this summer.