This PORTAL is a limited registry of the model programs and practices that can be emulated and adapted by others seeking to increase enrollment of learners from historically underserved populations and to expand the number and levels of languages offered.

Access to underserved learners:

• American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander

• Heritage, immigrant and refugee

• Latino/Latina/Latinx populations

• English Learners (ELs)

• African American and People of Color

• Economically disadvantaged learners in rural and inner-city communities of all ages

Access to many more of America's Languages

While not neglecting our traditional ‘foreign’ or ‘world’ language offerings in French, German and Spanish, America’s Languages include the less commonly taught, including the languages of indigenous, heritage, immigrant, refugee, and Deaf/hard of hearing communities.

Programs here are focused on increased access to learners and languages and publicly transparent in the articulation of their mission and goals as well as accountable in their documentation of success in meeting the language and literacy needs of learners.

Content

The portal covers,

• all languages;

• all educational levels, from PreK to community college to university and graduate and professional school;

• all student needs, from exposure to professional; 

• all levels, from beginning to expert;

• all accredited PreK-16 institutions, including public, private, tribal, and religious;

• all types of instructional delivery, from classroom to blended to on-line; and, 

• all venues, including community-based heritage and Native American schools and programs, summer intensive, overseas and dual language immersion, community college-business partnerships, and others.

However, the Portal does not represent a comprehensive list of the country’s quality language programs. It carefully focuses on programs that show the way to increased access and equity with public accountability.

Purpose

The Portal has two goals:

• First, to provide models of programs and practices that improve equity and access to more accountable learning

• Second, to serve as a continuing resource for attracting attention and support for language education

Examples of Users:

• high school teachers reaching out to local heritage community schools & programs

• Native American or any language-minority parents looking for college programs that accommodate their children

• state legislators interested in program models in other states supporting language education for heritage and Native American communities

• private funders investing in education advancing social justice

• study abroad directors integrating community immersions with incountry experience

• businesses recruiting language-competent interns from underserved communities

• And many more, see more.