Kiggans Works to Expand Language Education for American Children

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the World Language Education Assistance Program (LEAP) Act, a bill to ensure American children have access to world language education to improve cognitive skills, communication, and prepare them for future opportunities in an increasingly global 21st century workforce. This bipartisan legislation, introduced alongside Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), would establish a grant program through the Department of Education to create new and support current world language programs for local K-12 education for up to three years.

“As someone who taught English in Japan after graduating college, I have a great appreciation for the critical role language education plays in the lives of countless Americans and our friends across the globe,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “By giving K-12 schools the opportunity to improve and expand their world language programs, we can empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed, land meaningful career opportunities, and promote our leadership on the world stage. I am proud to introduce the World LEAP Act with Congressman Panetta to give all students, regardless of background, the chance to develop these critical skills and open the door to a brighter future.”

“Investment is needed in world language education, especially as universities cut language programs and some states move to eliminate immersion programs,” said Congressman Panetta. “The World LEAP Act would provide much-needed support to K-12 schools by creating a dedicated grant program to strengthen and expand world language instruction. By investing in language education, we not only empower students and educators but also enhance career pathways that bolster our nation’s economy, security, and global relationships.”

“JNCL-NCLIS thanks Representative Jen Kiggans and Representative Jimmy Panetta for their visionary leadership in reintroducing the World LEAP legislation,” said Amanda Seewald, Executive Director, JNCL-NCLIS. “This program addresses our national need for consistent K-12 language education that grows proficiency in more than one language—a vital skill essential to meeting the demands of our national security and global economic competitiveness. The commitment shown by Representatives Kiggans and Panetta is paving the way for a more interconnected and secure future for our nation.”

Background:

You can find the full text of this bill here.

You can find a one pager on this bill here.

• After graduating college, Congresswoman Kiggans taught English in Japan as a part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program from 1993-1994.

• The World LEAP Act establishes a grant program through the Department of Education to create new and support current world language programs for local K-12 education programs for up to three years.

• These funds shall be used for professional development for teachers to gain certification and licensure as world language or dual language teachers, carrying out new and improved dual language programs, and evaluating the efficacy of the programs.

• One fifth of United States residents speak a language other than English.

• 90% of United States-based employers rely on employees who speak multiple languages.

• One third of foreign language-dependent employers report there are not enough multilingual candidates to meet their needs.

• This language crisis creates problems for businesses, government, the military, and diplomatic and intelligence services.

• Encouraging foreign language learning by enabling schools to establish such programs will work to close this language skills gap and make for a more well-rounded workforce.

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