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Equity for Multilingual learners, by Providing Opportunities for family engagement, through Web access, and Educational Resources


As a National Professional Development grant, Project EMPOWER is a five-year collaboration between the University of Alabama at Birmingham and:

  • Alabaster City School District
  • Birmingham City Schools
  • Jefferson County Schools
  • Pelham City School District
  • Shelby County Schools
  • Tarrant City Schools
  • Birmingham City Public Library

Funded through the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) in the U.S. Department of Education, EMPOWER provides tuition support toward graduate degrees in education and ESOL certification for practicing teachers and pre-service teachers in partnering districts. Coursework and additional professional development in partnering schools address all aspects of multilingual learners' (MLs) educational experiences, with an emphasis on promoting authentic family engagement to advance ML learning and school readiness.

Empower Infographic

Aspects of EMPOWER

  • TESOL degree and certification scholarships - to prepare in-service educators in partnering school districts, and pre-service teachers, to work with MLs and promote family engagement
  • Professional learning and development - for in-service educators in the areas of best practices for teaching in classrooms that have multi-lingual learners and for effective family engagement
  • Family engagement and preparation - for supporting their multi-lingual learners in learning and school readiness

Learn More


Contact Information

Please read all of the "Learn More" information above, including the 5-page EMPOWER Scholarship Information Packet and UAB's ESL degree tracks webpage, before emailing for more information.

EMPOWER ESL Support Program (including Scholarships)
If you have further questions about the EMPOWER program, please email us, indicating which aspect of the project and partnership for which you are interested in receiving more information.
Aileen McElwain, Project Manager
Email

ESL Degree Tracks
If you have further questions regarding UAB's ESL degree tracks, please contact:
Dr. Josephine Prado
Email