In August, UNITE-LA joined education leaders from across California at the California Latino School Boards Association’s UNITY 2026 Conference in San José to explore the growing value of multilingualism in education, workforce and economic development.

During our session, “The Multilingual Advantage,” we shared findings from our multilingual learner report and insights from employers on the value of bilingual and multilingual talent. The conversation also highlighted how schools and districts can strengthen multilingual-learning pathways, elevate the California Seal of Biliteracy and partner with families and communities to help students turn their language skills into opportunities throughout education and their careers. 

California’s multilingual learners already bring valuable linguistic, cultural and community knowledge to our schools. By building on those strengths, we can create pathways that cultivate and celebrate multilingualism while connecting students to meaningful futures.