Dual Language Immersion

Open a new world and increase opportunties for Georgia's students

Our world is shrinking, and with so many companies expanding their reach around the globe – including many based or with offices here in Georgia – it is more important than ever for Georgia’s students to achieve proficiency of a second language.

As noted in an April 2019 article in the Washington Post, surveys of employers conclude that 66 percent give preference to job applicants who are truly bilingual. And colleges and universities are also more likely to accept bilingual students.

With that in mind, GFPE and the Georgia Department of Education identified and funded the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program.

DLI allows students to gain fluency in a foreign language as part of the regular school day. And it’s not just about learning another language; it is about a complete education. In Georgia DLI programs, students spend at least half of their school day in the target language and the other half-day in English. And over a three-year period (2018-2021) we’ve awarded 20 grants totaling $30,000 to schools located around the state. 

The grants funded key resources to supplement existing DLI programs; for example, as Dunleith Elementary rolled its program up to first grade, they needed to equip an entire classroom with Spanish instructional resources. Similarly, Brandywine Elementary used its grant funds to purchase Spanish-language books to support math, science, and social studies learning.

GFPE is proud to help these students unlock their potential and give them a step up in a competitive marketplace. Together, we can only improve their chances of attaining better educational and career paths. Contact us today to learn more about the DLI and how you can help with its continued development.