(AUSTIN) -- Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, announced today (Friday) that Educational Service Center (ESC) Region 20 will receive a $102,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency to support educational programs for persons with limited English proficiency.

This grant will increase access to adult education and literacy services by incorporating English literacy and civics education programs. What's more, these programs greatly support persons with limited English language skills by allowing them to take advantage of the many opportunities created by cultural diversification and a multilingual environment.

In June multiple school districts in SD 21 also received English Literacy and Civics Education Program grants totaling $306,000. This grant awarded to ESC Region 20, which includes Zavala, Frio, Atascosa, Dimmit, La Salle, Wilson and Bexar Counties, builds upon the success of educational institutions within SD 21.

"I am delighted that ESC Region 20 became the latest SD 21 applicant to receive this beneficial English Literacy and Civics Education Program grant and am proud of all the deserving academic institutions that demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in bilingual education," Senator Zaffirini said. "I look forward to the program's confirmation of the award and congratulate each institution for this important recognition."

Confirmation of the award is pending verification by the Texas Education Agency that the grants comply with statutory requirements and the intent and purposes of the grant program as applied to the academic institutions.

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