Waiting for English: Literacy Green Bay Faces Federal Funding Cuts as Demand Grows

October 27, 2026 - 11:01

Hundreds of immigrants and refugees in the Green Bay area are waiting for English language instruction as Literacy Green Bay copes with the loss of federal funding. The organization, which provides adult literacy and English language programs, has seen demand far outpace its capacity to serve students.

Halfway through her studies, one student described the frustration of trying to build a life in a new country without the language skills needed to navigate daily tasks, find work, or communicate with schools and doctors. For many learners, the waitlist represents months of delayed progress.

The federal cuts have forced the nonprofit to scale back staffing and programming at a time when need in the community continues to rise. Local employers and community leaders say English instruction is essential for workforce participation and integration, and that gaps in services affect the entire region.

Literacy Green Bay is exploring alternative funding sources and partnerships to keep classes running, but organizers say the demand cannot be met without sustained support. Students on the waiting list remain hopeful that space will open soon, though the path forward remains uncertain.