New York City’s extraordinary diversity has always been its greatest asset — and its most persistent challenge. For thousands of adult immigrants and newcomers, the English language remains the single most consequential barrier between where they are and where they hope to be. This spring, Koenigsberg & Associates partnered with the Community Language Program (CLP) at Teachers College, Columbia University to help close that gap.
“These aren’t just potential, or past, clients. They’re my neighbors, and a great deal of my neighbors experience the common barrier of English as a second language. I know how important it is to overcome this barrier, and it is my desire to alleviate this burden where I can.” — Paul Koenigsberg, Columbia Law ’82
That perspective drove the creation of this need-based scholarship, which provided direct financial support to New York City residents enrolled in the CLP. This semester, two students will receive full coverage of their tuition and books, valued at $500, while two additional students will receive $250 to offset half of their program costs. Here are some of
Irakli Iakobishvili
From Georgia
For Irakli, receiving the scholarship was about far more than covering a semester’s costs. “The day I received the notification about the scholarship was one of the calmest yet most exciting days in my life as an immigrant in America,” he wrote. “It felt like recognition — something that is especially important for our minds and mental strength.”
His English classes have focused on speaking, vocabulary, grammar, and the passive voice — with presentations being a particular highlight. Because Irakli’s commute requires two different means of transportation, he chose to apply the scholarship funds toward his transit expenses for the entire semester, ensuring that geography would not stand between him and his education.
Beyond the classroom, Irakli is independently studying Python and the legal foundations of artificial intelligence. The scholarship allowed him to purchase Artificial Intelligence Law and Regulation in a Nutshell, deepening his understanding of AI governance and emerging technology law.
Daning (Meining)
From China
Meining has long recognized English as a global language — one she always wanted to learn well — but lacked the opportunity to study it seriously before enrolling in the CLP. “Because of this scholarship, I am now able to take classes and improve my English, and I truly value this opportunity,” she wrote.
Each day in class, Meining works on speaking, listening, and writing. She acknowledges that learning English can be challenging at times, but approaches those challenges with determination. “This opportunity means a lot to me, and I will continue to work hard and make the most of it.”
Hyeju Kang
From Korea
Hyeju came to the CLP with a clear goal: to gain the knowledge and skills needed to take an important English exam for her career. The scholarship, she says, has made that goal feel within reach. “Because of your support, I have been able to focus more on my studies and work toward building my future career,” she wrote.
The financial relief has been significant — removing the weight of cost from her academic journey. “Your kindness has been a great encouragement to me,” she wrote. “I am deeply grateful for your generosity.” She hopes to carry that momentum forward as she works toward her professional future.
Mika Yang
From Japan
Mika moved to New York City with her husband, who is pursuing his MBA, and their son, who is nearly two years old. For her, learning English isn’t just about personal advancement — it’s about keeping her family connected and safe in a new environment.
“What I learn in class has already helped me communicate with my son’s daycare teachers and other parents,” she wrote. “I can now share how my son is doing at daycare and also learn helpful parenting advice from other families.” The skills she’s developed in class recently paid off in an unexpected way: at a classmate’s birthday party, she spoke with other parents for the first time and, she shared, “for the first time, I truly felt like I was part of the community.”
That moment of belonging — simple, human, and hard-won — is a testament to what language access can mean beyond the classroom.
The Community Language Program holds a unique place within Teachers College: it provides English instruction to adult learners from diverse backgrounds across New York City while simultaneously giving graduate students in the MA TESOL program hands-on teaching experience. Beyond instruction, the CLP serves as a research laboratory and training ground for future language educators.
By supporting students like Irakli, Meining, Hyeju, and Mika, the Paul Koenigsberg CLP Scholarship is doing exactly what it was designed to do — removing one more barrier for New Yorkers working to build new skills, new connections, and new futures in their adopted home. Koenigsberg & Associates is honored to continue this partnership with the CLP in future semesters.
