Citizenship Education

Empowering future U.S. citizens through free education, guidance, and confidence-building support.

JFSSD’s Citizenship Education program is a free, community-based program that helps eligible lawful permanent residents prepare for U.S. citizenship with confidence. Delivered in partnership with San Diego County Library, the program offers 10-week citizenship courses at library branches across the county, along with a virtual option to increase access for learners.

The course is designed and taught by JFSSD’s Citizenship Education Program Manager and provides educational support, citizenship interview preparation, and guidance throughout the naturalization process. Participants may also receive information about naturalization eligibility, available legal resources, and trusted immigration legal service options, depending on individual circumstances and program capacity.

Becoming a U.S. citizen can provide meaningful benefits, including the right to vote, the ability to apply for a U.S. passport, eligibility for certain federal jobs, the opportunity to petition for family members, and the ability to run for many elected offices.

How to Apply

Call, text, or WhatsApp (619) 753-1630

Email [email protected]

Space is limited, so please enroll as soon as new sessions become available for enrollment.

Who is Eligible

The Citizenship Course is open to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) living in San Diego County who want to prepare for U.S. naturalization. Registration is required and space is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.

Services Offered

A completely free 10-week citizenship course, including a textbook and course supplies that students keep after completing the program.
Access to tablets and internet during class to complete online assignments and prepare for the digital portions of the naturalization test.
Speaking, reading, and writing practice to prepare for the naturalization interview, with focused instruction on the USCIS civics questions.
Curriculum topics include English for the interview, U.S. geography and history, founding documents and government, influential Americans, civil rights and key historical events, national symbols and holidays, civic participation, rights and responsibilities, the naturalization process, and digital literacy skills.
Educational support and naturalization interview preparation. (Informational services only; no legal representation or case management is provided for applications filed with other providers.)
Legal consultations to assess eligibility for naturalization may be available based on program capacity and staff availability.
Eligible participants may be connected to naturalization legal services when available. When legal representation is not available, participants receive guidance on identifying trusted, low-cost immigration legal service providers. JFSSD does not coordinate or manage referrals.