Why Learn Languages
Why learn a language? Because the world speaks more than one.
Welcome to the official Why Learn Languages website. Whether you’re just starting your journey or already multilingual, this space is here to inspire, encourage, and remind you of the power of language to unite people across borders.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to empower youth through world language education by raising cultural awareness, expanding access to language programs, and enriching cross-disciplinary learning.
We vision a world where youth thrive as multilingual, culturally aware leaders who use creativity and emerging technologies to build bridges across communities and shape a more connected future.
Check out our stats!
Together, we can celebrate linguistic diversity and global connection.
12,800+
$21,300+
supporting world language education
Participants
54
languages advocated and growing
Why Learn a Language?
Today, our world is increasingly interconnected, both economically and culturally.
Mastering a world language broadens career options for students, enhances college prospects, celebrates the diversity within the classroom and school communities, provides greater access to social justice, and engenders unique cognitive benefits in learners throughout their lifetime.
Therefore, world language education should be a core part of every globally minded, 21st century curriculum.
In order for the nation to be able to respond to the ever-growing need for multilingual speakers, we need to respond to the current and future cultural needs of world language education.
In Their Own Words: The WLL Experience
Thomas Asci, 2025 Competition Winner
“Learning language doesn’t open the world linearly, it opens the world in a cycle. As you teach and learn language, you gain the ability to pass it on to new people, and see it grow in the new generation.”
Superintendent Chris Reykdal,
Washington Office of Super -intendent of Public Instruction
“I am grateful to your organization, which is truly instrumental in helping students succeed globally.”
Mary Claire Gegen
NBCT
French Teacher, W.F. West High School
Department Chair, World Languages
Adjunct Faculty, Centralia College
“Thanks so much for all your support. My students and I love this project.”
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Our Programs
Why Learn Languages (WLL) offers a wide range of engaging and educational programs designed to support students, instructors, and schools. These programs aim to promote language learning, cultural understanding, and global communication through interactive opportunities, competitions, and resources that inspire participants to embrace the power of multilingualism.
The Global Education Model (GEM) seeks to identify and publicly recognize excellent world language programs through grants and awards across the United States.
Why Learn Languages offers various webinars in collaboration with students and educators covering topics ranging from AI and education to leadership.
To expand our reach, Why Learn Languages lauched the Youth Food Action Campaign to address the challenge of putting food on the table. We believe that food connects us to the world and culture.
Sponsors & Partners
These companies and organizations have made it possible for us to empower more students and educators to discover the value of language learning.
We are dedicated to bringing you exciting events throughout the year, so if you want to be sure not to miss any updates, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to our free newsletter.