CHS Qualifies for Competitive Grant that Bolsters Japanese Language Programs
J-LEAP program helps students immerse themselves in Japanese language.
A high school class speaking nothing but Japanese for an hour is a rare sight in New Jersey, let alone the United States. Thanks to a shared vision of enhanced cultural understanding and a partnership between The Japan Foundation and Laurasian Institution, this vision became a reality with the Japanese Language Education Assistance Program (J-LEAP). Cranford High School (CHS) was awarded the J-LEAP grant for the next two years, with fewer than 10 schools across the nation receiving the J-LEAP grant this year.
The 2024-25 school year marks the third time CHS has qualified for this prestigious grant. For the next two years, high school classes will host a co-teacher from Japan who will assist with teaching, giving students the unique opportunity to learn from a native Japanese speaker.
The J-LEAP grant also provides extensive Japanese language teaching workshops and a materials stipend of $1,000 for each year of participation in the program.
Referred to as a “boutique” language by Cranford High School Japanese teacher Kristin Wingate, Japanese is not a language typically offered in schools, as it is often overshadowed by Spanish, Italian and French. In fact, according to an American Councils study, out of 16 languages taught throughout the United States, Japanese is the eighth most popular – and only taught by seven high schools in New Jersey.
J-LEAP is entirely sponsored by the Japanese government to support Japanese language education in the United States and to help train a new generation of language teachers. For students, the program aims to create a lifelong love of a new language.
Students interested in Japanese language and culture are immersed in this program.
CPS currently has 216 students (grades 6-12). With the help of J-LEAP, CHS was able to expand its 9-12 Japanese instruction to the middle school, boosting its program over the last 10 years to grow more than 4 times in size.
“This program has improved our craft, as we want to continue to be more effective teachers. If anyone had the opportunity to have someone help them brainstorm and collaborate at their job, they would,” said Wingate. “And I feel like this program just brings more opportunities to our students.”
“It’s continued to be a very harmonious and positive experience for our students, as well as our teachers,” said Annamaria Bellino, Supervisor of World Languages for Cranford Public Schools.