1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching Act or the BEST Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The people of the United States celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity and seek to prepare students with skills to succeed in the 21st century. (2) It is fitting to commend the dedication of students who have achieved proficiency in multiple languages and to encourage their peers to follow in their footsteps. (3) The study of world languages in elementary and secondary schools should be encouraged because it contributes to a student’s cognitive development and to the national economy and security. (4) Recognition of student achievement in language proficiency will enable institutions of higher education and employers to readily recognize and acknowledge the valuable expertise of bilingual students in academia and the workplace. (5) California has pioneered the first State system in the Nation to recognize students for achieving proficiency in multiple languages. In 2012, California awarded a Seal of Biliteracy to over 10,000 graduating high school seniors in 37 school districts. (6) Students in every State should be able to benefit from a Seal of Biliteracy program. 3. State Seal of Biliteracy program (a) Establishment The Secretary of Education shall award grants to States to establish or improve a Seal of Biliteracy program to recognize student proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in both English and a second language. (b) Grant application In order to receive a grant under this section, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require, including— (1) a description of the criteria a student must meet to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in both English and a second language