World LEAP Act

Key Points

• This bill would create a new grant program to help schools teach students languages other than English. Local school districts could apply for federal money to start new classes or improve the ones they already have for students from pre-school through high school.
• The plan focuses on training more teachers. Schools that get the money must use at least 20% of it to help staff get certified as language teachers or to provide extra training for current teachers. This is meant to fix a nationwide shortage of bilingual educators.
• The goal is to help American students compete in a global economy. Supporters say that while most U.S. employers need workers who speak multiple languages, many schools do not have the programs needed to teach those skills.
• If passed, the government would spend $15 million every year starting in 2026. Schools would get the money for three years at a time and would have to show that their programs are actually helping students learn.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.