Eastern Bank launches English for Work initiative

Photo provided by Eastern Bank Foundation

The Eastern Bank Foundation announced the launch of a transformative, work-focused English language teaching initiative, led by leading immigration policy expert Eva A. Millona, who joins the Foundation as the new Foundation FellowThe program, called the Career-Focused English Proficiency Initiative (CFEPI), aims to increase the economic inclusion of immigrants and new Americans through job-oriented English language training.

With an investment of $10 million to be distributed over three years, the foundation seeks to respond to the urgent need to revitalize the state's workforce in the face of the projected decline in working-age workers.

A solution to the labor shortage

According to a report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, the state's working population (people between the ages of 20 and 64) peaked in 2018 at 4.18 million, but is expected to decline by 180,000 by 2030.

“Replacing these workers will require a massive infusion of skilled talent, and we are committed to helping our communities avoid the economic consequences of labor shortages,” said Turahn Dorsey, president and CEO of the Eastern Bank Foundation.

Employment-focused English: A direct path to advancement

Unlike other, more academic programs, this initiative will focus on learning English contextualized to the workplace, with the goal of helping more people access well-paying jobs in high-demand sectors.

“Acquiring a high level of English is key to professional advancement, but the path isn't always easy,” Millona said. “I'm excited to join the Eastern Bank Foundation to bring this initiative to life, working alongside Rahn Dorsey and the communities we serve.”

A leader with a track record in migration policies

Eva Millona has extensive experience in public service. She most recently served as Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where she led the Office of Citizenship, Partnership, and Engagement. Prior to that, she led the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), the largest organization in New England dedicated to the integration of immigrants and refugees, for more than a decade.

He also co-founded the Massachusetts Business Immigration Coalition and has been involved in important national and international initiatives on civil rights and immigrant civic participation.

Private investment that complements state efforts

The announcement coincided with the investment by the State of Massachusetts, which will also allocate $1.4 billion to English programs, although the two initiatives are independent. While the state project prioritizes English as a core subject, the Eastern Bank Foundation program focuses on English applied to the workplace, offering training directly connected to growing economic sectors.

Promoting a more inclusive economy

The Eastern Bank Foundation reaffirms its commitment to equitable economic development through philanthropy, corporate volunteering, and community partnerships. This new initiative builds on its ongoing efforts to eliminate barriers to employment, improve adult job skills, and create a more diverse and educated workforce.

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Sources:

• Eastern Bank Foundation | Eastern Bank