Unlocking Untapped Talent: A Playbook for State and Local Leaders to Strengthen Local Workforces
State and local leaders face a dual workforce challenge: critical industries can’t fill essential roles even as millions of capable workers remain underemployed. Across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, IT, and hospitality, employers struggle to hire—while limited English proficiency stands out as a key, solvable barrier.
Nearly 1 in 10 working-age adults in the U.S. has limited English skills; only 2% are served by federal programs
Many multilingual workers have experience, credentials, and technical skills—but are sidelined by language barriers
Underemployment costs an estimated $40 billion in lost wages and $10 billion unrealized tax revenue annually
English upskilling delivers up to $6 in local economic impact for every $1 invested
English Upskilling: Unlocking Skills, Strengthening Workforces
English upskilling programs are emerging as an innovative solution embraced by a growing number of state and local leaders. They combine career-aligned English instruction with workforce training, helping workers build digital, language, and job skills simultaneously.
A new playbook, developed by EnGen in partnership with World Education Services (WES), provides state and local leaders with practical guidance, real-world examples, and tools to scale English upskilling programs across communities and sectors.
It highlights successful initiatives in places including Colorado, New York, Utah, Maine, and California, showing how local leaders are expanding access, building partnerships, and driving measurable workforce impact.
Four Pillars for Scaling English Upskilling
The guide organizes strategies around four core pillars, making it easier for state and local leaders to plan and implement programs:
Launch Strategic Pilots: Test approaches in high-need sectors or communities, measure outcomes, and build momentum.
Codifying English Skills in Local Legislation: Integrate language learning into workforce policies and programs to align agencies, unlock funding, and signal long-term commitment.
Braid Funding Sources: Combine federal, state, local, philanthropic, and employer resources to expand access and ensure sustainability.
Implement for Scale: Use flexible delivery models, partnerships, and consistent outcome tracking to reach workers statewide.
Connect Your Workforce WIth English Skills
Communities that adopt English upskilling strengthen talent pipelines, increase wages, improve retention, and drive economic growth. The models, evidence, and guidance already exist—state and local leaders simply need to take action.