Applications open for Critical Language Scholarship Program in the US

Deadline: 03-Jun-24
The U.S. Study Abroad Branch (ECA/A/S/Q) in the Office of Global Educational Programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State, is pleased to announce an open competition for Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program to increase the number of Americans who learn critical foreign languages in support of the U.S. foreign policy goals of bolstering national security.

The CLS Program is designed to increase the number of Americans who learn critical foreign languages in support of the U.S. foreign policy goals of increasing national security and promoting economic competitiveness. Global competencies for Americans, especially foreign language skills, are essential in engaging and understanding foreign societies, governments and peoples, especially in critical world regions, in order to promote cooperation, solve complex multi-national issues, and advance American interests. The ability of Americans to succeed individually and collectively in a global economy is enhanced through their understanding of critical languages and cultures across the globe. The CLS Program accelerates and advances participants’ language skills through in-person overseas immersive institutes and CLS virtual programming which provide participants with a combination of structured classroom language instruction and less formal interactive and applied learning opportunities

Program Goals 

• To develop a diverse cadre of Americans with advanced linguistic skills and related cultural understanding who are able to advance international dialogue, bolster national security, contribute to U.S. economic prosperity, and build mutual understanding; and
• To improve the ability of Americans to engage with the people of other countries in the language of the host country.

Funding Information

• Approximate Total Funding: $8,990,000 pending the availability of funds.
•  Anticipated Award Date: October 1, 2024, pending the availability of funds.
• Anticipated Project Completion Date: September 30, 2027.
• Minimum “Floor” of Award: $8,990,000 pending the availability of funds.
• Maximum “Ceiling” of Award: $8,990,000 pending the availability of funds.

Expected Program Outcomes

• Participants will demonstrate an increase in language proficiency (oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing), as verified through a standardized language assessment tool for oral proficiency.
• Participants will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the host country’s society, institutions, and culture.
• Participants will share American culture with their overseas peers and members of the host community.
• Alumni will continue their language learning, apply their linguistic skills in their academic, career, and volunteer activities, and/or participate in other exchanges and educational activities to further their language learning and application.
• Alumni will share their CLS experiences with others in their home educational institutions and communities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Applicants
  • U.S. public and private academic and cultural institutions, exchange-of-persons, and other not for-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit applications for this competition. Applicants must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application.
• Other Eligibility Requirements
  • The following additional eligibility requirements apply to this NOFO announcement:
    • ECA’s grant guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. ECA anticipates issuing one cooperative agreement, for a total of $8,990,000, pending the availability of funds. Therefore, organizations that do not demonstrate four years of experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal are ineligible to apply under this competition.
    • All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO, POGI (if applicable), and the PSI; non-compliance will result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.
• Cost Sharing or Matching Funds
  • There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this competition. However, ECA encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.