Deadline: 6 February 2017
The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has announced an open competition for the FY2017 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program.
NSLI-Y is designed to increase the number of American youth (ages 15 to 18) who learn critical foreign languages in support of the U.S. foreign policy goals of increasing national security, promoting U.S. competitiveness, building mutual understanding, and involving the robust participation of youth.
NSLI-Y programs accelerate and advance participants’ language skills through a combination of structured classroom language instruction and less formal interactive and applied learning opportunities.
Program Goals
- To develop a cadre of Americans with advanced linguistic skills and related cultural understanding who are able to advance international dialogue, compete effectively in the global economy, and promote mutual understanding;
- To provide a tangible incentive for the learning and use of foreign languages by providing overseas language study opportunities for American high school students;
- To spark a lifetime interest in foreign languages and cultures among American youth.
Funding Information
- The total amount of anticipated funding available to support the overall program administration and the overseas language program implementation is $8,900,000, pending the availability of FY2017 funds.
- This amount is intended to support approximately 590 scholarships, including all administrative and program costs.
Expected Program Outcomes
- Participants will demonstrate a substantive, measurable increase in language proficiency (oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing), as verified through pre- and post-program assessment utilizing a standardized language assessment tool.
- 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 alumni will share their overseas experiences with others in their U.S. schools and communities.
- 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 language learning.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications may be submitted by U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3).
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
How to Apply
Interested applicants must send their applications at the address given on the website.
Eligible Country: United States
For more information, please visit grants.gov.