Coalition-building and advocacy have been vital to expanding our City’s ESOL system. In 2008, ENB launched the statewide English Works Campaign to raise awareness of the importance of English classes for immigrants, our economy, and the Commonwealth. By elevating immigrant voices, ENB has promoted understanding of and investment in ESOL by business and government leaders.

ENB has seen significant progress in reducing the vast gap between ESOL demand and supply. Funds allotted for ESOL by the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) have grown substantially. ENB advocacy with WTFP also led to more flexible funding for workplace ESOL. Our work persistently raises attention about the importance of English proficiency as both a critical tool for immigrants to achieve economic success, and essential to the growth of our rapidly changing economy and workforce.