Bill > HR1572

This bill, known as the World LEAP Act (World Language Education Assistance Program Act), aims to address a critical language skills shortage in the United States by establishing a competitive grant program for local educational agencies to develop or enhance world language and dual language programs. The bill recognizes that only one-fifth of U.S. residents speak a language other than English and that 90% of employers require employees with language skills beyond English. Under the program, the Secretary of Education would award three-year grants to local educational agencies to create new or improve existing language programs, with a focus on instruction that demonstrates language proficiency growth from kindergarten through 12th grade. Grantees must dedicate at least 20% of funds to professional development and teacher certification pathways, with priority given to programs that include summer training, partner with community language schools, support English learners and heritage learners, and collaborate with higher education institutions. The bill requires recipients to report on student enrollment, bilingual educator numbers, and community support for language education, with an initial authorization of $15 million for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years. The ultimate goal is to provide students with language skills necessary for success in an increasingly interconnected global environment.

Labor and Employment

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1572/all-info