ExcEL Responds to Federal Grant Termination by Expanding Support for Educators and Multilingual Learners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2026
Contact:
Laureen Avery
Laureen.avery@excelleadershipacademy.org
401-203-5163
ExcEL Responds to Federal Grant Termination by Expanding Support for Educators and Multilingual Learners
PAWTUCKET, RI — While a newly filed federal lawsuit seeks to restore unlawfully terminated U.S. Department of Education funding for educator preparation programs serving multilingual learners, ExcEL Educators Leadership Academy is highlighting a different story as well: one of resilience, community, and an unwavering commitment to educators and students.
In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Education abruptly terminated dozens of National Professional Development (NPD) grants that had been supporting educator preparation and professional learning programs across the country. These grants helped address critical shortages of qualified teachers prepared to serve multilingual learners and supported pathways to bilingual and English language educator certification.
ExcEL was among the organizations impacted by the termination. Through federal funding, ExcEL had been helping educators earn the qualifications, knowledge, and skills needed to effectively serve multilingual learners in classrooms. The sudden loss of funding threatened to disrupt professional learning opportunities, educator certification pathways, and support systems for schools and communities.
Rather than stepping away from the work, ExcEL stepped forward.
“Multilingual learners cannot wait for politics to catch up with their needs,” said Laureen Avery, Director of Administration and Operations at ExcEL and a plaintiff in the lawsuit challenging the grant terminations. “When federal support disappeared, educators still needed pathways to certification, schools still needed qualified teachers, and students still deserved access to high-quality instruction. ExcEL made a commitment to continue building those pathways and supporting educators despite the loss of federal funding.”
Over the past year, ExcEL has worked tirelessly to sustain and expand opportunities for educators. The organization has continued to provide pathways to Endorsement and Certification through its competency-based professional learning model. ExcEL has strengthened partnerships with districts, higher education institutions, community organizations, and philanthropic supporters to ensure educators can continue developing the expertise needed to serve multilingual learners.
As states across the country face persistent shortages of educators prepared to support multilingual learners, the need for these programs has only grown. Every educator who earns an endorsement or certification through ExcEL represents more students gaining access to effective instruction, stronger family engagement, and greater opportunities for academic success.
The lawsuit seeks to restore federal funding and hold the US Department of Education accountable for its unlawful actions. Regardless of the outcome, ExcEL remains committed to ensuring that educators and multilingual learners are not left behind.
How You Can Help
The need for qualified educators serving multilingual learners has never been greater. Community support is essential to sustaining and expanding this work.
- Donate: Contributions help ExcEL provide scholarships, educator support services, and innovative professional learning opportunities that directly impact students and families. Visit ExcEL’s website to make a donation.
- Enroll: Educators can join ExcEL’s programs to earn Endorsement and Certification while applying their learning directly in their classrooms.
- Partner: School districts, community organizations, foundations, and advocates are encouraged to join ExcEL in building a stronger educator workforce prepared to serve multilingual learners.
“When we invest in educators, we invest in students, families, and entire communities,” Avery said. “This work is too important to stop. Together, we can continue building the educator workforce multilingual learners deserve.”
For more information about ExcEL Educators Leadership Academy, enrollment opportunities, or ways to support this work, visit ExcEL’s website.
About ExcEL Educators Leadership Academy
ExcEL Educators Leadership Academy is an approved provider of professional learning dedicated to strengthening educator capacity to serve multilingual learners. Through competency-based pathways leading to MLL Endorsement, ESOL Certification, and Bilingual/Dual Language Certification, ExcEL supports educators in applying evidence-based practices directly in their classrooms while advancing their professional growth. ExcEL serves educators through flexible, practice-based learning experiences that improve outcomes for multilingual learners and their families.
1005 Main Street, Unit 2201
Pawtucket, RI 02860
https://www.excelleadershipacademy.org
info@excelleadershipacademy.org
401-203-5163