Specifications include, but are not limited to: Implement new and innovative ELE programs and supports for innovative ELE programs, while also providing districts with an opportunity to create a more culturally and linguistically diverse workforce. This competitive grant program is open only to eligible applicants in the commonwealth's 26 Gateway Municipalities as defined by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 23a, Section 3a and have 100 or more ELs. There are four goals for the grant. Districts may apply for funding to fulfill any one or more of the four goals: Goal 1: Development and/or implement an alternative bilingual ELE program for English learners. Goal 2: Create (and cultivate) or continue a "grow your own" bilingual education hub that would support and encourage statewide initiative and collaboration, improve the Bilingual Education educator pipeline, share knowledge to accelerate the adoption of proven and recognized programmatic models for English learners, and develop successful models that can be replicated for years to come. Goal 3: Establish or improve multilingual libraries that provide an effective, balanced, and substantial collections for as many ethnic, cultural, and linguistic group of students in the community as possible. Goal 4: Develop and Implement High School Academies (during winter and spring during or after school, and/or summer vacation) that would challenge high school English learners (grades 9–12) to improve academic achievement with an emphasis on English language learning skills and, if applicable, primary language learning skills for bilingual academies, both of which are 21st century skills.
