JNCL-NCLIS

04/21/2026

What does it really mean to support English language learners?

A new opinion piece from Jim Geraghty in The Washington Post raises an important question: How can we expect students to succeed in learning English while reducing support for the programs designed to help them?

At JNCL-NCLIS, we know the answer.
Language education works when it is properly supported.

* Title III provide critical resources for schools, educators, and students across the country.

* The leadership of the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), provides essential national coordination, guidance, and research

When funding is uncertain or federal roles are restructured without clarity, schools and students feel the impact.

This is not theoretical—it affects access, consistency, and outcomes for learners across the country.

At this moment, advocacy matters more than ever.

From every state, for every student—our voices matter.

https://wapo.st/4vP92Dh

The administration plans to dissolve the office that supports English instruction.

04/20/2026

We are incredibly proud of each and every advocate who participated in Language Advocacy Days 2026.
From students taking their first steps into advocacy to experienced professionals continuing to lead the way, this community came together with purpose, passion, and a shared commitment to advancing language education.

While these two days marked an important milestone, this is only the beginning.

Advocacy is not defined by a single event?it is a continued journey of listening, learning, engaging, and leading.

And this group has already taken that first, powerful step forward.

We look forward to seeing and supporting how these voices continue to grow, connect, and shape the future of language advocacy.

04/17/2026

Our breakout sessions weren't just presentations – they were spaces for sharing, learning, and ideation.
Designed to bring voices together, each session created room for real conversation and practical takeaways.

Sessions included:
• Success Stories from the States
• Amplifying Student Voices
• Creative Innovations in Higher Education
• Language & Workforce Development
• Building Bridges to Policy

Ideas were shared. Strategies were built. Connections were made.

04/16/2026

Four images. Four perspectives. One powerful conversation.

During this session, participants reflected on personal experiences and shared what advocacy means to them.
Each moment sparked:
• Storytelling
• Connection
• New understanding

Because advocacy starts with seeing – and sharing – what matters.

04/15/2026

⚠️Urgent advocacy action needed! The House Appropriations Committee will begin marking up the FY27 State Department funding bill on April 23rd.

Currently, the proposed budget includes $451 million in cuts to the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). These cuts will reduce the ECA’s funding to only $215 million, putting most international scholarship and language programs at risk.

Language advocates have no time to lose! We urge you to join us in contacting your Senators and Representatives immediately to demand that ECA funding be restored to FY25 levels.

📣 ACT NOW to help restore funding: https://www.votervoice.net/JNCL/Campaigns/136524/Respond.

04/15/2026

Moments that stay with you.

For many advocates, this was the first time meeting their Member of Congress – turning civic engagement into a real, personal experience.

And it won't be the last.

04/14/2026

🗓️ April is National Bilingual and Multilingual Learning Advocacy Month!
This month, JNCL-NCLIS is celebrating the stories that define our community. Language learning is one of the most powerful keys to personal and professional success, and your story is its proof! Share your experience below! How has bilingualism or multilingualism shaped your life?

Join us in celebrating and uplifting multilingual voices.

04/14/2026

Conversations that matter.

Across 200+ meetings, advocates shared real stories and real impact with Congressional offices.
Every meeting = one more voice heard.

04/13/2026

Before stepping into Congressional offices, advocates prepared with purpose.

This year's Hill meeting training equipped participants with the tools, confidence, and messaging needed to have meaningful conversations with policymakers.

Because strong advocacy starts with strong preparation.

04/10/2026

"I am so tremendously grateful – I learned so much."

To every student who showed up, spoke up, and leaned into the experience – thank you. We all learned from you as well!

Your voices matter. And your future is already in motion.

04/09/2026

"This opened me up to a world of experiences I've never had before."

Language Advocacy Days creates space for growth, discovery, and new perspectives.
And for many students – that's just the beginning.