§ 4-3-1420 — We Want to Learn English Initiative

(a) The department of labor and workforce development, in conjunction with the department of education, shall establish and administer a grant program to be known as the "We Want to Learn English Initiative." The initiative shall be created for the purpose of providing resources for immigrants and refugees in this state to learn English in order to move toward becoming full members of American society. (b) The department shall utilize existing staff to assist in the implementation of the program and provide grant funding from whatever funding sources available, including, but not limited to, funds from the federal, state, county and municipal governments. (c) The department of labor and workforce development shall allocate and disperse funds each fiscal year to community-based, not-for-profit organizations, immigrant social service organizations, faith-based organizations and on-site job training programs so that immigrants and refugees can learn English where they live, work, pray and socialize and where their children attend school. (d) Funds for the We Want to Learn English Initiative may be used only to provide programs that teach English to United States citizens, lawful permanent residents and other persons residing in this state who are in lawful immigration status.

Legislative History

Acts 2009, ch. 366, § 1.