In this report, La Follette students identify an acute workforce-related digital skills gap in English language learners and develop recommendations that aim to unlock workforce potential, promote economic mobility, and achieve a more inclusive and resilient labor market.
Summary
English Language Learners (ELLs) represent a growing portion of the workforce and often face compounding barriers to acquiring digital skills. These challenges limit employment and career advancement opportunities, especially given that digital skills have become fundamental for workforce integration. This report, prepared for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), draws on survey data to examine the relationship between key risk factors and digital skills among ELLs, in the context of national trends. The analysis identifies an acute workforce-related digital skills gap among ELLs that is primarily driven by risk factors such as lower educational attainment and limited technology access, in addition to limited English proficiency. These findings inform eight recommendations grouped into two categories: (1) digital skills programming and (2) the enabling environment. By investing in digital literacy, employers, policymakers, and digital skills training providers can unlock workforce potential, promote economic mobility, and achieve a more inclusive and resilient labor market.
Information
- Course: Workshop in Public Affairs, PA 869, taught by Jason Delborne, Spring 2026
- Authors: Abigail Buschette, Andrea Lamarche, James Murphy, Morgan Pincombe, and Jessica Preisler
- Client: The International Rescue Committee