ODEI Launches Duolingo Spanish Language Learning Pilot Program

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — March 17, 2025) Spanish language learning is on the rise at Empire State University—with its existing Latino student body population, and the arrival of the new Spanish BBA program’s inaugural class this fall, the university seeks to promote connection and a welcoming environment for all members of its community. In partnership with Duolingo, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) has launched the Duolingo Spanish Language Learning Pilot Program and is offering 50 yearlong premium licenses for the language-learning platform to staff and faculty members on a first-come, first-served basis.

Xiomara Giordano, assistant vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer explains, “This an opportunity for us to show up for ourselves and each other, and think about the ways that language moves the world that we live in.”

All faculty and staff members are eligible. Those interested must complete the application by March 31to enter the selection pool. Selected participants should utilize the language-learning tool regularly, and will be asked to provide feedback on their experience to help shape future offerings for prospective Spanish language learners at Empire State University.

Duolingo is one of the leading free language-learning platforms, with over 500 million users worldwide. The tool, which can be conveniently accessed from mobile devices, offers the following premium additions to its standard learning content: feedback on areas of difficulty and the opportunity to review those skills, unlimited tries to learn at each user’s own pace, and no ads. “It allows you a little bit more of the full access that you need in order to be successful,” comments Giordano.

The interactive nature of Duolingo’s language-learning model makes it a popular choice for those seeking to add another language to their repertoire. “I know that the gamify nature of Duolingo felt really appealing to folks,” says Giordano. The platform also offers a community-based component that allows users to connect and compete in challenges with other learners.

ODEI will receive analytics reports from the platform to gain insight into the program’s success through observing usage and learning progress. If any participants decide the program is not a good fit for them, the license will be returned to ODEI and transferred to the first person on the waitlist.

Moving forward, ODEI seeks to expand access to Spanish language-learning resources for faculty and staff that will enable them to connect with students more efficiently. Part of this relies on the efforts of Spanish BBA program linguists, Perla Zamitiz and Claire Ziamandanis, who are building a guide with commonly used phrases and words in higher education to create a knowledge base for Empire State University employees.

Giordano underscores that the work doesn’t stop there: “What are the additional tools that we can offer along with Duolingo… what else do people need? This is just the very beginning.”