Supporting French language education through funding and resources to ensure students across the U.S. gain access to enriched academic pathways and global competencies.
Overview
The French as a World Language Program (FWLP) supports French language education in U.S. public schools through funding and frameworks that facilitate language learning and cultural exchange projects. By providing essential resources, the FWLP ensures that students across the country have access to enriched academic pathways and develop global competencies necessary for thriving in a multilingual world.
Reach
The program expands French language teaching and learning by creating pathways for educators and students from various backgrounds to connect with Francophone cultures, develop multilingual skills, and prepare for global opportunities. The FWLP supports young learners across the US and serves French students, American anglophone students, and students from diverse international backgrounds who speak French as a heritage language.
Outcomes
As part of the effort to streamline our efforts and initiatives, though the FWLP we are committed to making French language education accessible through close collaboration with school districts and local agencies in order to facilitate funding opportunities and create a network of schools. Furthermore, we are dedicated to enhancing language learning through a school pairing process, enabling institutions to work together to foster cultural exchanges and improve pedagogical methods.
Grants
Three Initiatives support the French as a World Language Program (FWLP):
Pedagogical Project Grants
- Supporting schools and teachers’ needs through an annual grant to provide pedagogical materials and resources, language certifications, and funding for school exchange projects through the already established MOUs.
Cultural Activities
- Enriching educational environments by fostering vibrant and engaging Francophone spaces. The grant aims to provide the necessary resources to establish dedicated Francophone zones in libraries, creating hubs for cultural and linguistic immersion. Additionally, the grant supports French and Francophone film festivals, allowing students and the wider school community to explore and celebrate Francophone culture through cinema. Other initiatives include hosting creative workshops with Francophone artists, authors, and graphic designers to further enhance cultural exchange experiences for students.
Professional Learning Opportunities
- In response to the increasing demand for professional development opportunities, the annual French for All Summer Institute will empower educators to refine their pedagogical approaches and acquire new expertise, fostering both formal instruction and informal dialogue. This initiative will address professional, disciplinary, and methodological advancements in the field of French as a world language. Additionally, educators from across the US will gather to cultivate a sense of community and share best practices within the French as a World Language network.
Contact
For any questions regarding the application process, please contact:
Yoël KIDANE – Educational Affairs Program Officer | French as a World Language Program
Image: (c) Kyle Glenn