President Leonel Fernandez presided over the graduation of 2,658 university students that participated in the English Immersion Program for Competitiveness sponsored by the Ministry of Superior Education, in coordiantion with 15 universities and higher studies institutes. During the commencement of this first group of graduates at the Palacio de los Deportes yesterday, Fernandez spoke of the importance of knowing English has when seeking better paying jobs. Graduates participated in a seven-month intense studies course. Superior Education Minister Ligia Amada Melo said that the second group of 6,000 students will begin the program in March. Overall, they expect to prepare 100,000 students in the English language nationwide. She said the success of the first pilot program has now enabled them to reach out to students in Haina, Los Alcarrizos, San Pedro de Macoris, La Romana, Higuey, Bavaro, San Francisco de Macoris, Samana and Sosua.