Citizenship Preparation Program
General Information

The Citizenship Preparation Program is part of the Montgomery County Refugee Training Program. It is an adult education program which offers information, classes, tutoring and practice interviews, free of charge, to adult legal permanent residents who are preparing to become United States citizens.

To become a U.S. citizen, applicants must succeed in three areas: a history and government test, a literacy test, and an interview. In the interview, applicants must demonstrate to the immigration examiner that they speak, understand, read and write English. In our program, we teach, tutor, coach, and mentor green card holders who need assistance in preparing for these requirements. Often it is the English component of the requirements that is an obstacle to applicants who otherwise qualify for U.S. Citizenship. 

The Citizenship Program is a part of the Montgomery County Refugee Center,  and is made possible by a grant from the Maryland Office for New Americans to assist green card holders who would like to become U.S., citizens.   Last year we served 422 students and had approximately an 80% pass rate.   To participate in our citizenship program, the students must have green cards and be Maryland residents,  but are not required to be refugees.

Our program is very successful because we address the specific language and test needs of each individual student. Some students come to us when they are very close to their test dates and need coaching, review and confidence boosting. Other students have greater needs.  They need classes and tutoring in the test material and in English. In order to be able to give individual attention to the students, we have dedicated volunteer tutors providing both in-class and out-of-class tutoring.  Students must pass tests in history/government,  basic reading, writing, and spelling, and finally, an interview which includes many difficult vocabulary words.  For many applicants, this is a formidable challenge.

Location(s) and Contact Information for Citizenship Program

School hours:Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 2:00pm, with morning, afternoon, and evening and weekend classes available.

Directions to the Refugee Center / Citizenship Program . The Refugee Center is located in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, a few steps from Colesville Road, across from City Place Mall. The Center is located at Montgomery College's facility at 8561 Fenton Street, Second Floor, Suite 210, in Takoma Park/Silver Spring, 3/4 mile north of the campus (map).
Phone: 301- 649- 8050, or 240-567-1404, or 240-567-1405
Parking: Closest parking is the Town Square Garage at the corner of Ellsworth and Fenton. Free parking on evenings and weekends.
Ride On Bus: 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 28, (VanGo)
Metro Bus: F4, F6, Z2, Z6, Z8, Z9, Z11, Z13

Upcounty Regional Services Center Address: 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, Maryland 20874. It is at the intersection of Md. Rt#118 and Middlebrook Road.
Questions, call the Refugee Center, phone 301-649-8050, or 240- 567-1404, or 240-567-1405
Ride On Bus:61 or 62

East County Community Recreation Center Address: 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904.
Questions, call the Refugee Center, phone 240-567-1404 or 240 - 567-1405
Ride On Bus:39, Rush hour only, Metrobus: Z6, Z8, Z11.

For more information about the program you may contact Tiffany Shao, tiffany.shao@montgomerycollege.edu or Ms. Noa Sadan, Director, Refugee Center, 240-567-1404 or 240-567-1405, Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm.