Free Citizenship Preparation Class From the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks
The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks runs the Gateway to Citizenship Program, a free class that prepares lawful permanent residents for U.S. citizenship. It is a partnership with Aldea - The People's Justice Center and is funded by the United Way of Berks County.
To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and must have been a lawful permanent resident, that is a green card holder, of the United States for a continuous five-year period. You must also be a person of good moral character, for example someone who has paid their taxes and has not been convicted of a serious crime. You may enroll in the program before the five-year period is complete, because it is never too early to start preparing. Proof of residency is required.
Classes are held 5 hours a week for 12 weeks. The course brings students to speaking, reading and writing English at the high beginning ESL level, and prepares them to answer 90 out of 100 civics questions. Students learn who is eligible for naturalization, how to apply and what the interview process involves. They practice reading aloud question sentences from the USCIS vocabulary list and writing dictated sentences from the USCIS writing vocabulary test. The class also covers the post-interview process and the logistics and requirements of the naturalization ceremony, and it builds the verbal skills to answer questions during the interview about the N-400 and the civics test items. Students learn how to complete the N-400, with possible representation from Aldea. Civic leader guest speakers and in-person or virtual field trips to historical places are part of the program.
To join, register online through the Literacy Council's Connectable portal at pennsylvania.getconnectable.org/lcrb/login-email-password. The page does not say when classes start, how long the wait is, or where the classes meet, so ask when you register.
For questions, the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks lists a general contact: phone 610.670.9960 and email info@lcrb.org. Its office is at 450 South 6th Street, Reading, PA 19602, and office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, closed Saturday and Sunday.
Source: lcrb.org/student-programs/gateway-to-citizenship-program, read September 18, 2026.
The details
- PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIRED.
In Literacy Council of Reading-Berks’s words
Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. The Literacy Council’s free Gateway to Citizenship Program is a partnership with Aldea - The People’s Justice Center, funded by the United Way of Berks County, to offer permanent residents a path to citizenship.
Organization
Literacy Council of Reading-Berks
Organization profile in our directory →About this listing
This listing summarizes publicly available information from lcrb.org/student-programs/gateway-to-citizenship-program. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.