Boston Public Library Fund, Inc.
Project Title
For project support to expand reach and services through Boston Public Library's English as a Second Language Workforce Initiative
Date
Jun. 05, 2025
Duration
24 months
Description
The Education program has selected eleven public libraries from nine states for their impactful programs and broad reach as part of its Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy initiative, a two-year, $5 million grant program launched in December 2024. These libraries were chosen through a highly competitive process from over 1,400 expressions of interest, demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding English language proficiency programs for adults and enhancing college readiness and access for teens. With this support, the selected libraries will scale their impact, strengthen community partnerships, and create new opportunities for students. Boston Public Library (BPL) is among the selected libraries. BPL’s ESL Workforce Initiative provides free, year-round English-language learning, bilingual workforce education, and career counseling services to immigrants and non-English speakers. With Corporation support, BPL aims to reduce their ESL waitlist by fifty percent, increase program attendance from 15,000 to 18,750 patrons annually, and improve both English-language skills and economic security for participants.