Immigrant advocates are scheduled to tour the state to promote new grants aimed at helping immigrants learn English.

Next week, the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition is slated to visit New Bedford, Northampton, Pittsfield and Lowell to discuss the "English Works Campaign."

Last week, state officials announced $1.3 million in grants from the Obama administration stimulus package for English classes.

The grants come after a coalition of business, labor and civic leaders in New Bedford launched a campaign to improve immigrants' English proficiency by supporting reforms and investment in English programs.

Around 17,000 immigrants in Massachusetts on are waiting lists for English classes.