LYNN – Eva A. Millona, who has joined the Eastern Bank Foundation team as a Foundation Fellow, is focused on the design, implementation and promotion of a new Career-Focused English Proficiency Initiative, which will further the foundation’s work to support economic inclusion and mobility across the region.
Eastern Bank Foundation Fellows bring deep expertise to the foundation’s efforts to increase economic mobility and prosperity, especially for those who have not historically benefitted from a robust regional economy.
According to a 2022 Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report, Massachusetts communities are losing a significant percentage of the workforce due to an aging population. The workforce population, aged 20-64, peaked in 2018 at 4.18 million and is projected to fall 180,000 by 2030.
“Replacing these workers will require a large infusion of qualified people to fill the jobs, and we are committed to helping our communities avoid the painful, economic consequences of labor shortages,” said Turahn Dorsey, president and CEO of the Eastern Bank Foundation. “Our Career-Focused English Proficiency Initiative is primed with a $10 million commitment over three years from the Eastern Bank Foundation, in partnership with strategic stakeholders in the space, that will create a career-focused, English learning system.”
Millona is recognized locally, nationally and internationally as an expert on immigration and integration policies. Most recently, she served as a presidential appointee for four years in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as chief of the inaugural Office of Citizenship, Partnership and Engagement as well as assistant secretary of the Office of Partnership and Engagement.
“Acquiring a high level of English proficiency is crucial for seeking career growth and achieving greater economic success, but the path to obtain it is not always easy,” Millona said. “I am thrilled to join the Eastern Bank Foundation, picking up on the tremendous leadership and groundwork put in place by Nancy Huntington Stager to launch this career- and workplace-focused English proficiency initiative.”
The Foundation’s philanthropic investments, volunteerism and advocacy in promoting workforce development are dedicated to addressing barriers to employment and advancement in employment for adults. Efforts include enhancing programming in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), preparing adult workers for the jobs and careers of the future, expanding hiring criteria beyond traditional credentials to build deep talent pools, and strengthening the Massachusetts workforce.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is also celebrating a $10 million investment in workforce training for English learners. This investment was proposed by Gov. Maura Healey and included in the final Fair Share supplemental budget, which will expand access to workforce training programs for 3,000-3,500 residents and reduce the waitlist for ESOL services.
By aligning and leveraging other state resources, the administration expects to provide career-related ESOL to a total of 4,500-5,000 additional people over the next two years. Currently, Massachusetts has nearly 100 adult education and ESOL programs, serving over 30,000 participants.
“We have employers across Massachusetts who need skilled talent to fill open positions. Connecting workers with training programs and English classes will make sure they have the skills that employers are looking for in today’s economy,” said Healey.
While Massachusetts is stepping up to expand access to ESOL and other adult education as a workforce strategy, the Trump Administration is withholding critical support, notably including the $108 million that was already appropriated by the U.S. Congress for Massachusetts schools which was expected to be received by the State on July 1.
These federal cuts threaten to undermine services for English learners as demand continues to grow, making the State’s investment even more urgent. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said, “This investment is about creating pathways to success and supporting a workforce for employers in our state.”
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s recent $10 million investment coupled with the Eastern Bank Foundation’s additional $10 million investment will together bolster Massachusetts’ ESOL services to provide more residents access to these vital career-related programs,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I’m grateful to Eastern Bank for its commitment to support upward mobility, enhance the workforce and greatly improve the state’s talent pipeline. This partnership is further proof that public and private entities can work together to greatly improve lives and the overall economy.”
