Language service companies (LSCs) play a key role in supplying no-cost as well as paid instruction and usage opportunities. For example: companies like DuoLingo & Memrise provide free language programs: “We created Duolingo so that everyone could have a chance. Free language education – no hidden fees, no premium content, just free.” In the realm of supporting services offered without charge are companies like Global Seal of Biliteracy (credentialing), 7000 Languages (technology), SCOLA (materials), and Google Translate (translation). Of course, in so doing, they also rely upon language education as well as our bilingual communities to provide their employees.

In addition to these companies devoted to language per se, domestic social services and global and transnational companies present a growing demand for language capabilities. For example, Medtronic, Inc. has cultural/linguist organizations, called Employee Resource Groups, some of which do language teaching and some that may invite members of the local community. Businesses may sponsor programs or schools, provide scholarships and internships, or have its executives sit on various boards that devote their efforts to language education. In so doing, all such efforts can be understood as advancing access to language education and their sponsors viewed as potential partners in the America’s Languages Initiative.