A University of the Pacific professor is helping lead a statewide effort to expand dual language education in California high schools through a new five-year, $3.5 million research project funded by the Spencer Foundation.

The project aims to identify what makes high school dual-language programs successful and help school districts create new opportunities for students to continue bilingual education through graduation. Approximately $400,000 of the grant funding will support work at Pacific. 

Sergio Sanchez, assistant professor of practice at Benerd College, is part of a collaborative team studying successful dual language programs and developing models that can be replicated across California.

The project, titled “Extending Dual Language Programs to Overcome Inequities: Developing a Roadmap for California High Schools,” brings together researchers from California State University, Sacramento; University of the Pacific; the University of Oregon and California State University, Monterey Bay, as well as partners in Anaheim, Monterey and Woodland.

Dual language programs are a form of bilingual education in which students learn academic content, literacy and language skills in two languages, typically English and a partner language such as Spanish. These programs serve both native English speakers and students who speak another language at home, with the goal of developing bilingualism, biliteracy and cross-cultural competence.

The project has two primary goals: identifying the factors that make high school dual language programs effective and sustainable, and working alongside school districts to design and launch new programs.

Sanchez said the work aligns closely with California's Global California 2030 initiative, that aims to have half of California's K-12 students on a path toward proficiency in two or more languages by 2030.

Researchers will study established dual language programs in Anaheim Union High School District, widely recognized as a leader in multilingual education. The district offers programs in Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean across eight schools and provides students with opportunities to continue dual language education through high school.

"There are no high school dual language offerings beyond eighth grade in Northern California, or really widely available across the state, with the exception perhaps of Anaheim Union High," Sanchez said. "We want to learn from them how they are enabling their K-8 students to continue their dual language education through grade 12."

Lessons learned from Anaheim will guide the development of new high school dual language programs in Monterey and Woodland. Researchers will study the implementation process over the next five years, creating what Sanchez said will be the first long-term study examining the impact of high school dual language programs on student outcomes.

The project begins in fall 2026 and is expected to provide school districts with data-driven strategies for expanding multilingual education opportunities.

Sanchez said findings from the project could help identify best practices for recruiting and supporting bilingual teacher candidates who may eventually serve schools in Stockton and other communities.

"I think the grant itself puts Pacific in the picture when it comes to transformative educational initiatives that can have tangible, significant impacts in the community long term," Sanchez said.

The team hopes to share successful models developed through the project with districts throughout California, including Stockton, helping create stronger pathways for students seeking bilingual education through high school graduation.