The English as a New Language (ENL) Hernandez Fellows program is an outreach of the University of Notre Dame’s ALMA initiative. This program seeks to advance the skills of educators who serve English learners in rural communities across all grades and content areas.

ENL Hernandez Fellows take a total of six graduate-level courses (18 credits) through the University of Notre Dame over the course of three semesters. The three-week summer semester begins with synchronous, virtual classes and culminates with a rich one-week experience on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Courses continue online throughout the fall and spring semesters. The ENL curriculum is tailored specifically to the reality of busy educators working with English learners.

Scholarship Opportunity:

The value of this partnership for the participating diocese is approximately $14,000 (up to $12,000 for tuition and room & board + up $2,000 travel to the University of Notre Dame in the summer) per school. Click here to see the full ENL Hernandez Fellows Scholarship Overview.

Timeline:

  • Synchronous virtual courses: June 24-26, 2025 and July 8-10, 2025
  • In-person, on-campus experience: July 16-24, 2025
  • Asynchronous virtual courses: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

Deadline for applications to the ENL Hernandez Fellows program is March 30, 2025.

Desired outcomes:

  • Implement research-based strategies and lesson modifications to support English learners
  • Value the role that culture plays in the lives of students and implement culturally inclusive pedagogy
  • Create and modify assessments to accurately measure progress in language proficiency and content knowledge
  • Recognize the stages of language acquisition and how this influences the learning process
  • Identify effective ways to advocate for English learners and serve as in-house experts for their school

To apply:

Complete the online application form by the deadline of March 30, 2025.

For more information, contact:

Erika Cedrone, Assistant Vice President of Mission, at 617-817-2907 or ecedrone@catholicextension.org