Preparing our students to make the most of their talents means recognizing the new reality of today’s world. It’s a reality in which thousands of our residents support their families by working locally at companies that are headquartered internationally. And Delaware companies increasingly do business with customers around the world. In this reality, learning a second language is more valuable than ever. So we set a goal of enrolling 10,000 students in language immersion within a decade, giving them the chance to learn half of their subjects in either Spanish or Chinese beginning in kindergarten and to become proficient by fourth grade. This past week we announced that we’re on track to meet our goal, with six new schools adding immersion programs this fall, bringing our total to 17.

Next year, more than 2,300 students will have the chance to participate. While expanding that program, we’re also creating new opportunities, and we know there is no better way for our students to learn another language and culture than to live in it. This summer, we start a partnership with one of China’s biggest companies. Wanxiang will fund a four-week summer study abroad program that will be available to high schoolers enrolled in Chinese courses. Students will receive daily language instruction, participate in cultural activities, and tour science and technology companies. Delawareans should expect that our schools prepare students with the skills that are most valued in good-paying jobs. By continuing to expand language learning opportunities in Delaware, we have the chance to provide our kids and our state an edge in a multilingual and multicultural workforce. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.

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