Digital Promise panel highlights equity, innovation, and workforce readiness as drivers of language education
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — What if the key to unlocking equity, economic competitiveness, and stronger communities lies in how we teach languages? That was the central question raised during a LinkedIn Live event hosted by Digital Promise, where education leaders called for a new era of world language and dual-immersion programs.
Moderated by Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, the discussion featured Dr. Alexandra Estrella , Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools, Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite , Superintendent of Sunnyvale School District, and Mengting Hou, Founder and CEO of The Mimir Language Platform . Together, they issued a powerful message: multilingual education is not an extra — it is essential.
“Language education drives national competitiveness, equity, and social cohesion,” said Brizard. “Districts must protect and expand these programs, even in tight budget years.”
Multilingualism as an Equity Imperative
The conversation turned first to equity. At Norwalk Public Schools , where students represent 41 countries and speak more than 32 languages , multilingualism is seen as a powerful resource, not a barrier. “Multilingualism is not a deficit — it’s an asset,” said Dr. Estrella. “When we embrace students’ languages and identities, we expand their pathways to knowledge.”
Leadership, Not Just Resources
From there, the focus shifted to leadership. Drawing on his experience securing $250 million in state funding for Lynwood Unified before joining Sunnyvale, Dr. Crosthwaite emphasized that success depends less on abundance and more on vision. “The future belongs to districts that treat multilingualism as core to equity, excellence, and student opportunity,” he said.
Innovation in Action
If leadership sets the tone, innovation fuels the progress. Mengting Hou highlighted the persistent “library paradox” in U.S. language learning: students spend years memorizing grammar, yet struggle with basic conversation. “Mimir flips the model. We prioritize context and conversation first,” Hou explained. Using real-world videos and speech-centric activities, Mimir has helped 81% of students improve fluency while keeping 70% more engaged . Globally, Hou noted, countries like Finland and Singapore achieve 90%+ proficiency rates , proving the U.S. can catch up — if it rethinks its approach.
The Workforce and Economic Case
The panel underscored that the stakes extend far beyond the classroom. In the workforce, 56% of U.S. employers report rising demand for multilingual workers (New American Economy). On a global scale, the World Economic Forum estimates $6–7 trillion in GDP gains could be unlocked by reducing language barriers in trade by 2050. Meanwhile, U.S. schools already serve 5.3 million English Learners — 10.6% of K–12 students — a vital but underleveraged national asset.
AI as Accelerator, Not Replacement
Finally, the conversation turned to technology. Hou pointed to research showing that over 60% of meaning in conversation comes from non-verbal cues (Stanford). That’s why Mimir is built as an AI + Human ecosystem . “AI can accelerate language learning, but it cannot replace human empathy or cultural nuance,” Hou said. “Our model combines adaptive AI tools with teachers, coaches, and cultural specialists to keep learning social, personal, and authentic.”
A Call to Action
By the close of the event, one message was clear: language belongs at the center of 21st-century education. For districts, that means embedding world language learning into the academic bloodstream — alongside math, science, and reading and use technology that are efficacious — measurable, credentialed, and equitable.
Media Contact:
Verna Huang
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About Digital Promise
Digital Promise is a nonprofit working at the intersection of education leaders, researchers, and technology developers to improve learning opportunities and close equity gaps. Learn more at [www.digitalpromise.org].
About The Mimir Language Platform
The Mimir Language Platform is an AI-powered, speech-first learning solution that transforms memorization into meaningful conversation. Combining advanced technology with human-led support, Mimir helps districts scale high-quality language learning that is personal, social, and culturally responsive. Learn more at [www.themimir.com].
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SOURCE Contemporary Education And Technology Inc.
