Programs providing students in kindergarten through 12th grade and undergraduate students with language learning experiences that offer opportunities for them to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills through the three modes of communication. Independent programs are eligible to receive up to $90,000 in funding to implement their program, with the average student program receiving $82,500.

National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Application Window Now OPEN!

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Deadline: November 2, 2017.

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program was launched in 2006 to promote critical language learning among American youth. The U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with American Councils for International Education, awards and administers merit-based scholarships to high school students for participation in summer and academic year immersion programs in locations where the seven NSLI-Y languages are spoken. NSLI-Y immerses participants in the cultural life of the host country, giving them formal and informal language practice and sparking a lifetime interest in foreign languages and cultures. Available languages include: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, Turkish

Eligibility Requirements

•     U.S. citizen

•     Grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent

•     15-18 years of age at start of program (birthdate between July 10, 1999 and June 10, 2003 for summer programs; birthdate between September 20, 1999 and June 30, 2003 for academic year programs)

•     Enrolled in high school (grades 9-12, including home school) at the time of application

•     Not an immediate family member of an employee of the U.S. Department of State who works in the Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs or an employee at a NSLI-Y administering organization whose duties involve the NSLI-Y program

•     Have not previously traveled outside the U.S. on a long-term (more than eight weeks) program sponsored by the Youth Programs Division of the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

•     Previous NSLI-Y summer program participants or alumni of ECA-funded short-term programs are only eligible to apply for a NSLI-Y academic year program.

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Abroad