New loan program for immigrants who do not have social security yet. This event is part of a series of events that will be taking place throughout the summer to empower communities and the Coalition with positive programs and activities. The press and other community based organizations that provide services to the immigrant communities in DC will be invited to attend.

The mission of Manna is to empower individuals, strengthen families, collaborate with stakeholders to rebuild neighborhoods, and foster sustainable communities in Washington, DC by creating quality affordable housing for lower income families, by offering support and training to families both before and after they purchase their homes, and by engaging in community and economic development activities.

For more information call 202-832-1845

Registration has begun for the Summer Intensive Program. There is $100.00 deposit due at registration.

New students will have to audition.

The Dance Institute of Washington began as a summer program in 1987 and has continued to expand, now offering year-round studio classes, outreach programs throughout the District, and a full schedule of public performances.

For curriculum questions and/or to schedule an audition, please contact Miriana Lausic at 202 371- 9656.

UDC -ALL offers a variety of short term cultural, social and educational experiences in the form of formal presentations, lunchtime seminars, and hands- on, interactive workshops, for mature learners in a non-threatening, learner-friendly environment. A degree or a diploma is not required to participate in the program. All that is required is an interest in learning. There are no homework assignments, tests, or grades. Class facilitators are mature individuals who believe that facilitators and participants have much to learn from each other.

The Institute of Gerontology is part of the Department of Education, College of Arts and Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia.
The academic program of the Institute is directed towards providing the expertise essential for employment opportunities for university-trained workers in services for the aged. The Institute offers a specially designed program with a Certificate in Gerontology for majors in health education, nursing, sociology, and social work. A general certificate in Gerontology is offered for all other majors.
The Institute also offers Community Service Programs to over 4,000 District of Columbia residents. These programs include: BODYWISE Fitness & Health Promotion Program, Respite Aide Program, Senior Companion Program, UDC Academy for Lifetime Learning, free tuition and fees for older adults, Community Residence Facility training and certification, caregivers initative and Literacy Programs for older adults.

For more information call 202-274-6659

Join Us for the U.S. Department of Education's Broadcast of Education News Parents Can Use to learn about Service Learning: Creating Community & Developing Citizens

As a nation we want and expect our young people to grow up to be responsible citizens and good people. To reach this goal, students must learn citizenship, compassion and service throughout their educational career. One of the most powerful ways to instill these principles is through a strategy called service learning.

ED mission is to:

• Strengthen the Federal commitment to assuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual
• Supplement and complement the efforts of states, the local school systems and other instrumentalities of the states, the private sector, public and private nonprofit educational research institutions, community-based organizations, parents, and students to improve the quality of education
• Encourage the increased involvement of the public, parents, and students in Federal education programs
• Promote improvements in the quality and usefulness of education through Federally supported research, evaluation, and sharing of information
• Improve the coordination of Federal education programs
• Improve the management of Federal education activities
• Increase the accountability of Federal education programs to the President, the Congress, and the public

If you would like to share any announcements from your organization or campus with the CoRAL Network community, send a brief blurb to kcarter@coralnetwork.org by close of business each Thursday for inclusion in the following Monday's Newsbits.

Please note that submissions MUST be about local events, news, opportunities and activities that are related to community affairs in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Northern Virginia.