Supporting English language acquisition: opportunities for foundations to strengthen the social and economic well-being of immigrant families: a briefing paper

This briefing paper provides an overview of the characteristics of the limited English proficiency (LEP) immigrant population in the USA, the impact of these limited skills and effective strategies that have been used to improve the earnings of LEP workers through English and vocational training. It highlights effective language acquisition programs and strategies that result in improved social, educational and economic well-being for immigrant families. Five models from California, Illinois and Texas are used to illustrate best practices in this field of education. The contents are as...  [+] Show more

This briefing paper provides an overview of the characteristics of the limited English proficiency (LEP) immigrant population in the USA, the impact of these limited skills and effective strategies that have been used to improve the earnings of LEP workers through English and vocational training. It highlights effective language acquisition programs and strategies that result in improved social, educational and economic well-being for immigrant families. Five models from California, Illinois and Texas are used to illustrate best practices in this field of education. The contents are as follows: Executive summary; Introduction; A demographic portrait of limited English proficient immigrants and their children; English proficiency: pathway to improved employability and economic success; English proficiency: strategies for strengthening immigrant families; Summary of how Foundations can invest; Conclusion.