GCIR and the Annie E. Casey Foundation are pleased to announce the release of Supporting English Language Acquisition: Opportunities for Foundations to Strengthen the Social and Economic Well-Being of Immigrant Families. Given the vital role language proficiency plays in the integration process, this report is essential reading for funders seeking to improve social and economic outcomes for immigrant families.

Supporting English Language Acquisition explores how philanthropy can strengthen immigrant families through strategic investments in language acquisition programs. It discusses successful strategies and offers examples of promising programs that have helped immigrants—regardless of their educational background—to increase their employment prospects and economic stability through improved English and other vocational skills. The report also highlights some of the best practices from literacy programs designed for immigrant families, where both adults and pre-school children can develop English and literacy skills. The report concludes with a set of recommendations on how foundations can effectively support English language acquisition in these areas, including gaps in programming and research where strategic philanthropic investment can make a critical difference.

Order printed copies of this publication here.