On March 3-4, 2025, 170 passionate language advocates from 27 states gathered in Washington, D.C., for Language Advocacy Days (LAD), an in-person event organized by JNCL-NCLIS. This year’s theme was “Language Shapes Leaders,” highlighting how multilingualism is not just a skill but a critical leadership asset that fuels economic growth, enhances national security, and fosters global understanding.
The first day of LAD brought this theme to life through powerful storytelling. International journalist and author Jacob Kushner delivered an inspiring speech on how his multilingualism has shaped his career, allowing him to share the stories of people and events worldwide with authenticity and cultural accuracy. His message reinforced a simple truth: understanding multiple languages means understanding people—and great leaders must first be great listeners. We also heard from students who are using their language skills to advocate, connect communities, and make a tangible impact. These young voices are proof that the future of multilingual leadership is already here, and with the right policies in place, they will have the tools to lead, innovate, and inspire on a global scale.
The second day of LAD was spent on the Capitol Hill where state delegations met with their elected officials. In meetings with elected officials, delegates emphasized that language learning equips students to lead in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, cybersecurity, law enforcement, and more, and language is a key asset in workforce development, national security, and global competitiveness. Every voice raised at LAD was a call to action, reinforcing that supporting language learning is not just an educational priority—it’s a strategic imperative for a more connected and prosperous future.
Here are the legislative requests that were brought forth to the Senate and House officials:
Legislative Ask: Co-sponsor the World Language Education Assistance Program (World LEAP) Act (H.R.1572)
Challenge: Lack of federal program funding for innovative world language and dual language programs.
Solution: H.R.1572, introduced by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), proposes a multi-year competitive grant program to establish and enhance world language programs in K-12 school districts, addressing teacher shortages, ensuring access for all students, and promoting diversity in the teacher workforce. The bill has yet to be introduced in the Senate.
Legislative Ask: Co-sponsor the Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching (BEST) Act (H.R.1660) and Support Reintroduction of the BEST Act in the Senate
Challenge: Lack of federal support for implementing and scaling Seal of Biliteracy programs. Federal funding is needed to support equitable implementation of Seal of Biliteracy programs at the state and district levels.
Solution: The BEST Act provides funding to states to establish and improve Seal of Biliteracy programs, making it accessible to all students, especially low-income students.
Legislative Ask: Support the Reintroduction of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act
Challenge: Low participation rates in study abroad programs.
Solution: This act aims to expand study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students, particularly prioritizing minority, first-generation, and disabled students, and diversifying study destinations.
Legislative Ask: Support the Reintroduction of the Language Education Data Enhancement Act
Challenge: Lack of research and data on language education, making it difficult to ascertain need and provide support where necessary.
Solution: Support retaining language attainment research provisions in the AREA Act, enabling collection of data on foreign language coursework availability and access in K-12 and higher education.
Priority Funding Requests FY25-26
Legislative Ask: Support $15 Million in FY25 and FY26 Funding Request for the World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants Program (WLARA)
Challenge: Threatened federal investments in language education, even for those programs that fill critical needs and have demonstrated success.
Solution: Restoring to full funding the proven WLARA grants to support innovative language programs in districts with at least one JROTC program and DoDEA schools, focusing on critical languages and promoting diversity in language education.
Legislative Ask: Support $3 Million for the Native American Language Resource Center (NALRC)
Challenge: Threatened federal investments in language education, including Native American languages, even for those programs that fill critical needs and have demonstrated success.
Solution: Seeking $3 million in FY25 and FY26 appropriations to support NALRC’s efforts in preserving, promoting, and teaching Native American languages, aligning with the Native American Languages Act’s objectives.
Legislative Ask: Fund Title III at $890 Million
Challenge: Threatened federal investment in Title III.
Solution: Title III funding is crucial to the academic success of English Language Learners, and this program provides bedrock funding and technical assistance for the growth of Dual Language Immersion programs across our nation.
Legislative Ask: Fund Title VI HEA/Fulbright-Hays International and Foreign Language Education Programs
Challenge: Threatened federal investment in Title VI.
Solution: Title VI/FH funds undergraduate through postgraduate research and education in foreign languages and world regions. Title VI domestic programs provide grants and fellowships to institutions of higher education to develop language and international education programs.
Conclusion
The legislative requests presented at Language Advocacy Days address critical challenges in language education and promote policies that expand access to diverse language learning opportunities across the United States. Advocacy for multilingualism is more than just a policy discussion—it is an investment in a stronger, more connected future. Whether through grassroots efforts or direct engagement with policymakers, every voice contributes to meaningful change. As the demand for multilingual skills continues to grow across industries and global affairs, prioritizing language education is essential. Ignoring this need would mean missing out on opportunities that benefit individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.
Special Thanks
LTI extends its gratitude to JNCL-NCLIS for organizing this impactful event and for providing the essential materials that helped delegates effectively communicate our legislative priorities. The priorities highlighted in this article are based on the materials developed for Language Advocacy delegates.
JNCL-NCLIS brings together a national network of organizations and businesses representing over 300,000 language professionals, all dedicated to advocating for equitable language learning opportunities. To learn more and get involved, visit www.languagepolicy.org.
LTI’s Commitment to Multilingualism
Since 1992, Language Testing International (LTI) has been dedicated to supporting multilingual individuals in achieving their academic and professional goals through the ACTFL Language Proficiency Certificate. We remain committed to promoting the value of language proficiency and advocating for policies that recognize the power of multilingualism in education and the workforce.
Contact Us Today to Bring Language Proficiency Testing to Your Organization
