JNCL-NCLIS is excited to announce the introduction of the World Language Education Assistance Program (World LEAP) Act! Over the past year, the JNCL-NCLIS team has been working closely with Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to design this legislation with the support and insight of our advocates and member organizations. We are thrilled to see it move forward and are eager to support next steps.
The World LEAP Act will establish the first K-12 world language and dual language education grants program at the U.S. Department of Education in over 14 years. This important legislation prioritizes funding for the development of programs offered across all socioeconomic and demographic groups, builds opportunity for heritage and English language learners, requires a reservation of funds for professional development, and promotes career pathways that will generate economic success for our nation.
This legislation is at the heart of why JNCL exists as it is our purpose to nationalize the discussion of equitable access to language education as an essential facet of K-12 learning in the United States through advocacy that leads to legislation and policy.
Thank you for your advocacy and support, and please join us in sharing the news and celebrating the introduction of the World LEAP Act!
The full press release is available here.