Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy has announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded the Roosevelt Union Free School District a grant for $237,981.

The grant will be used to provide resources to teach Mandarin Chinese language skills to first through fourth graders at Roosevelt’s Harry Daniels, Centennial, Ulysses Byas, and Washington Rose elementary schools.

“In the 21st Century global economy, foreign language skills will be essential to success,” said McCarthy.   “Exposing Roosevelt’s children to the language and culture of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies and one of our most important trading partners will give them a competitive advantage when they enter the workplace.”

Students will receive two 45 minute lessons in Mandarin each week and set the stage for continued instruction in Middle School and High School. 

The project will also provide Roosevelt students opportunities for summer jobs and internships with local universities, Chinese teacher associations, and the National Resource Center for Language Learning.