Dual‑language immersion advocates ask for reinstatement of $500,000 competitive grant line

Speakers representing language‑education organizations and dual‑language immersion (DLI) schools urged the subcommittee to reinstate a competitive grant program that previously provided startup funds for DLI programs.

Judy Carlstrand, past president of the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association, asked lawmakers to “reinstate the $500,000 in competitive grants for dual language immersion schools in Indiana.” She said the program began in 2015 and that the number of DLI schools has grown from about three at start‑up to 56 today. Carlstrand cited research showing cognitive and academic benefits for bilingual students and argued DLI pipelines support state needs in health care, business and government.

Israel Herrera, representing the Indiana Language Roadmap and the IU Bloomington languages and cultures teaching committee, echoed the call and described DLI as a long‑term workforce and security asset: “Learning a language at this critical period ... gives a student a lifelong advantage.” Both witnesses recommended the $500,000 be restored to support new and expanding programs across the state.

Why it matters: Dual‑language immersion programs are expanding in Indiana, advocates said, and startup grants reduce barriers to program creation. Proponents framed DLI funding as an investment that improves student cognitive outcomes and connects to workforce needs in medicine, business and diplomacy.

No formal appropriation decision was made during the hearing; proponents asked the committee to restore the line in the final budget.