Celebrate Language Proficiency with the Michigan and Global Seals of Biliteracy

Are you a student or parent eager to recognize and celebrate language skills? The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy (MI-SoBL) is a prestigious award designed to do just that! It honors high school graduates who have demonstrated proficiency in two or more languages, providing them with an official credential to showcase their bilingual or multilingual abilities.

Why the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy Matters

The MI-SoBL encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors their hard-earned skills, and provides valuable evidence of their language abilities to future employers and college admissions offices. This recognition not only validates a student’s commitment to language learning but also promotes cultural diversity and global citizenship.

How to Earn the Seal

Students can earn the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy through various approved pathways, such as preapproved assessments, or secondary level coursework completed in a non-English-speaking country. To find out if testing is available, students should talk to their local high schools, which may offer testing options. In addition, Western Michigan University (WMU) and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) also offer Michigan Seal of Biliteracy testing. This flexibility ensures that students from diverse backgrounds and with different learning styles have the opportunity to achieve this prestigious recognition.

Explore the Global Seal of Biliteracy

For individuals beyond high school, the Global Seal of Biliteracy offers another valuable opportunity to be recognized for language proficiency. Unlike state-specific programs, the Global Seal is open to adults and awards different levels of proficiency, making it accessible to a wider audience, including college students, professionals, and lifelong learners. It provides an internationally recognized credential, showcasing an individual’s language abilities at either the Functional Fluency, Working Fluency level, or Professional Fluency level depending on the proficiency demonstrated.

This flexibility makes the Global Seal an ideal option for those who continue to use and develop their language skills beyond secondary education, offering a professional advantage in an increasingly globalized world.

Benefits for Students, Adults, and Families

For students, both the Michigan and Global Seals of Biliteracy open doors to new academic and professional opportunities. Some colleges even award college credit for students who have earned the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, which can help save time and money in higher education. These seals highlight dedication to language learning and can set candidates apart in college applications and job searches.

For adults, earning the Global Seal demonstrates valuable language skills that can enhance careers, foster cross-cultural communication, and broaden professional networks. Families, too, can take pride in their children’s and loved ones’ linguistic achievements, recognizing the hard work that goes into mastering multiple languages.

Join the Movement

We encourage students, families, and adults alike to explore the Michigan and Global Seals of Biliteracy and take advantage of the many benefits they offer. By embracing biliteracy, we can foster a more inclusive, culturally aware, and globally connected community. Let’s celebrate the linguistic achievements of individuals of all ages and support them on their journey toward a brighter future.

For more information, visit the Michigan Department of Education’s MI-SoBL page and the Global Seal of Biliteracy website.