Supporting multiple language tools for students to become engaged members in the global society ensures students are “future ready.”
Manteca Unified has 65 high school students who will graduate with a Seal of Biliteracy.  
MUSD offers world language courses in the study of Spanish and French that extend to advanced placement levels.  The opportunities that are afforded by the block scheduling system, students are able to enroll in one or more world languages and reach advanced proficiency by the end of their high school careers.
“We have a 15% increase from last year” stated Micaela Reyes, Manteca Unified English Learner Program Coordinator. 
In 2011-2012, Manteca Unified honored 14 Seal of Biliteracy students, for the 2015-16 school year sixty-five students receive their recognition. 
“Most of the work is done at the school sites, I give them all the credit for promoting the initiative,” Reyes said. 
Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education stated, “In a nation as diverse as ours, the ability to interact comfortably and confidently with people of all backgrounds is critical.  And that makes it more important than ever to provide all students with a well-rounded, world-class education.”  
“I acknowledge being bilingual as a treasured skill that will be helpful in the future.” said Kaitlynn Gov, Weston Ranch High School Class of 2016 salutatorian, graduating with a Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish. “I plan on pursuing a career as a geriatric doctor, where I can definitely utilize Spanish. Spanish is the second most used language in California and I will be using it to communicate with my patients.”
In 2012, California became the first state in the nation to award a state Seal of Biliteracy to graduating   seniors with demonstrated proficiency in two or more languages, and Manteca Unified has been one of the few districts in participation since the launch.
 “Research has shown that the best way to serve our English learners, is through programs that not only honor the native languages of our English learners, but also serve to promote global competency,” explained Reyes. 
Manteca Unified believes as the global society grows, so does the importance of preparing students to become thriving individuals in the marketplace.  
“My language teachers really helped shape my success,” said Jose Espinoza, a Seal of Biliteracy recipient.  
Californians Together states in The California Campaign for Biliteracy, “California needs people with biliteracy skills and cross-cultural competencies to work in and fuel our economy, to strengthen our social cohesion, and to enrich the quality of life in our communities.”  
The 65 MUSD students, alongside other San Joaquin County student recipients, will be honored by the San Joaquin County Office of Education at the Seal of Biliteracy Achievement Awards Ceremony on May 19. 
The 2016 Manteca Unified School District Seal of Biliteracy \honorees are:
uMANTECA HIGH: Vanessa Alaron, Estefani Castellanos, Teresa Morales, Jennifer Rodriguez, Jesus Ruiz, Braulio Ramirez Solis, and  Mariana Valencia.
uEAST UNION HIGH: Maria Andrade, Clara Artiaga, Lino Cerda, Rogelio Garcia, Adriana Garibay, Eileen Jimenez, Alejandra Machuca, Ana Modesto, Karina Morales, Andrea Navarro, Michelle Padilla, Jesus Ramirez,  and Antonio Zuniga
uSIERRA HIGH: Nancy Enriquez, Samantha Espinoza, Cynthia Frausto, Yovana Marin Garica, Itzel Gonzalez, Matthew Guerrero, Omar Guerrero, Adrian Gutierrez, Marisol Hernandez, Candice Lao, Christian Montes, Francisco Ornelas, Carolina Ortega, Juan Martinez Ramirez, Cecilia Salcedo, Amelie Sotelo, Simran Thind, Oscar Ortega Valtierra, and Erick Vargas Rodriguez
uLATHROP HIGH: Miriam Bucio Arriaga, Laura De La Garza, Celeste Jimenez, Emiliano Lopez, Giovanna Millan, Melisa Tafoya Navarro, Aasin Ortiz, Michael Osorno, Marisol Rodriguez, Ricardo Sevilla, and Yahajaira Carrasco Ulloa
uWESTON RANCH HIGH: Fernanda Aguila, Jesus Pacheco Cazares, Omar Centeno, Jose Espinoza, Nallely Garcia, Kaitlynn Gov, Jose Del Toro Lupian, Gisselle Martinez, Kevin Miranda, Alejandra Navarro, Lizbeth Ortiz, Karla Ramos, Rubi Sanchez, Aileen Velasquez, and Jennifer Viguerias