IT Melting Pot

Washington, D.C., school teaches tech to America’s newest arrivals.

- Calvin Harper

Since 1776, tens of millions have immigrated to the United States for the chance to start a new life. They come for a variety of reasons: some to practice their religion; some to escape war, persecution or poverty; and still others looking for an opportunity to own land or start their own businesses. In short, they come for freedom — the freedom to be who and what they want to be.

It’s never been easy being an immigrant, particularly if you speak a foreign language, have limited education, and espouse different customs and beliefs. Still, it is a testament to their desires that these newcomers worked hard to learn the ways of their new home, care for their families and, along the way, became contributing citizens.

Over the centuries, many have seemed to know instinctively that education was the path to success in America. They pursued schooling to learn English and to develop skills that enabled them to provide for their families. Assistance for such learning came via civic organizations, churches, local schools, and private individuals, and the efforts of those good people have had a large and lasting impact.

Along the way the vast majority of immigrants became citizens, embraced the American Dream and played an important role in creating our national identity. They’ve fought in our wars, built our infrastructure and created thousands of businesses, helping to make us the most prosperous and powerful nation in the world.

A school for newcomers

This tradition of helping immigrants successfully integrate continues today at the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. Originally established in 1970, as a nonprofit means of providing English instruction and resources to Latino immigrants, the school would eventually open its doors to immigrants from all nations, and go on to become the first adult charter school in the United States.