WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has unveiled a substantial investment exceeding $11 million in grants aimed at enhancing the recruitment and retention of bilingual and multilingual educators, while simultaneously supporting programs for Native American languages. This initiative underscores the commitment to fostering multilingualism and revitalizing Indigenous languages across educational institutions nationwide.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona remarked on the transformative power of multilingualism, emphasizing its benefits as a cultural and cognitive asset. Cardona stated, “Being multilingual is a superpower—a powerful asset that can connect students to their identity and culture, and gives those who speak more than one language cognitive, social, and economic benefits.” This strategic allocation of funds aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader educational goals, focusing on strengthening public education systems and acknowledging Tribal sovereignty.
The grants include $7.5 million dedicated to the National Professional Development (NPD) Program, which will fund 13 new awards. This initiative is designed to support educators working with English learners by enhancing language instruction through professional development activities. Notably, this year’s cohort marks the introduction of a new “Grow-Your-Own” pre-service program, aiming to increase the number of bilingual and multilingual teachers by nurturing candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
As part of these efforts, Secretary Cardona is embarking on the 2024 Back to School Bus Tour, highlighting the theme “Fighting for Public Education.” The tour aims to showcase how educational communities are leveraging these federal investments to propel academic success and student well-being. Stops in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania will celebrate public education’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future leaders across various domains.
The Department anticipates serving approximately 3,700 participants through these grants, impacting educational institutions across nine states and facilitating instruction in languages such as Navajo, Sm’álgyax, Spanish, and Ute. By championing these programs, the Department of Education aims to extend educational innovation and inclusivity, ensuring pathways to success for all students.
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