Catholic Charities expanding citizenship classes in Sonoma and Napa counties

Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa will add more citizenship classes after receiving a federal grant.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded the nonprofit agency $250,000 to double within the next two years the number of citizenship classes it offers in Sonoma and Napa counties, Catholic Charities officials said Friday. It currently provides in each county two 18-week classes, which serve 40 to 50 students.

Officials said students often face “significant barriers” in obtaining citizenship. They struggle with language barriers, have little education and come from low-income backgrounds.

“Serving these citizenship seekers improves their ability to obtain employment and increase income,” officials said in a statement.

The classes are offered in English. However, the agency said students are paired up with tutors who can work with them individually or in a group setting. The agency said that students have scored an average of 89 percent on their tests in the past three years. And every student has received his or her citizenship, officials added.