Boston, MA (July 24, 2024) – A new report from the MassInc Policy Center examines the effects of English proficiency in the state’s Gateway Cities. Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn and Vice President of the Lawrence Campus and Community Relations Noemi Custodia-Lora contributed to the report. It shows that one in five residents of a Gateway City, which includes Lawrence, has limited English proficiency. MassInc estimates that improving the English skills of those residents could inject at least $1.5 billion into their local economies.

Photo Courtesy: MassInc

MassInc is now examining ways to increase English proficiency. On Wednesday, they hosted an event on Beacon Hill called Actionable Strategies to Expand and Enhance ESOL Services in Mass. Custodia-Lora served as a panelist, sharing strategies that are gaining traction in Lawrence in partnership with the college.

Writes Ashley Guerra-Agramonte, of MassInc.’s Gateway Cities Journal:

Dr. Noemi Custodia-Lora, who directs Northern Essex Community College’s Lawrence Campus, described the operation of the city’s unique ESOL task force. Convened by the mayor, more than 20 providers coordinate to understand how many adult students are waiting for English classes at any given point in time, and how existing capacity corresponds with their needs and aspirations. Cross-sector coordination also helps Lawrence ensure that all programs have high-quality curricula and instructors with proper training.

Read the full article on the event here.