Free citizenship classes will begin Feb. 6 at St. Mary Church parish center, 432 E. Downer Place in Aurora.

The Dominican Literacy Center, 260 Vermont St. in Aurora, is the sponsor.

Men and women who are legal permanent residents are invited.

Classes focus on preparation for the federal citizenship written test (100 questions) and an oral interview with an examiner. While instruction is free, a donation of $10 for study materials is requested.

Sister Jane Beckman, instructor, said morning and evening classes will be offered. Classes are taught in English.

Evening classes will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. starting Monday, Feb. 6 and Wednesday, Feb. 8. Morning classes will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. starting Tuesday, Feb. 7 and Thursday, Feb. 9. Both sessions end May 4.

In addition to instruction by Beckman, Julietta Centro-Lopez and Alison Brzezinski, DLC tutoring coordinator, 10 volunteers will work with students.

No advance registration will be taken. Students should enroll at the first class session of their choice.

According to Beckman, about 100 students attended fall-semester classes.

The Dominican center has offered citizenship classes since the nonprofit’s founding in 1993. Citizenship classes complement one-on-one tutoring of immigrant women by female volunteers. About 160 students are currently enrolled in weekly 90-minute tutoring sessions.

Call (630) 898-4636 for more information.

Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.