Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Homepage - Critical Language Scholarship Program Critical Language Scholarship Program | Homepage A Program of the U.S. Department of State Announcing 2026 CLS Refresh! The CLS Program is pleased to announce another cycle of CLS Refresh, a funded language learning opportunity for CLS alumni. CLS Alumni Highlight: Chelsea Cervantes De Blois When Chelsea Cervantes De Blois first imagined her career, she saw herself as a scientist.

AI in Action International Alumni Seminar The U.S. Department of State’s CLS Program invites alumni to apply for the AI in Action International Alumni Seminar. Learn more about CLS Spark. The deadline for applications is May 26, 2022.

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is happy to introduce CLS Spark , a new initiative of the U.S. Department of State providing American students the access and opportunity to start their language learning journeys even when these critical languages may not be offered on their campuses or when they may have responsibilities that limit their ability to go overseas.

Participants will spend an academic year learning either Arabic, Chinese or Russian through online classes and activities facilitated by native speakers at a host institution abroad. The CLS Program provides immersive summer programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security and economic prosperity.

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by American Councils for International Education . The CLS Program provides immersive summer programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security and economic prosperity.

Participants receive the equivalent of one year of language study in eight weeks, through intensive language instruction and cultural activities that reinforce both language learning and intercultural competence. Since 2006, the CLS Program has supported over 10,000 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students. CLS alumni represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

What Alumni Say About the CLS Program The CLS Program provides its scholars intensive language and cultural instruction in an environment designed to maximize their language gains at every level. Alumni apply their critical language skills in a variety of professional fields in public and private sectors as well as government, helping to support America’s competitiveness across the board.

CLS scholars represent the breadth of the United States. Through personal engagement they help to spread American values and develop mutual understanding with the people of other countries. See the full list of languages offered by the CLS Program Announcing 2026 CLS Refresh!

Applications for the 2026 CLS Refresh cycle are now open - a funded opportunity for CLS alumni to continue building their language skills. As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, as well as the 20th anniversary of the CLS Program, CLS Refresh offers an opportunity to honor our nati… CLS Alumni Highlight: Chelsea Cervantes De Blois When Chelsea Cervantes De Blois first imagined her career, she saw herself as a scientist.

Today, she works at the intersection of research, geospatial analysis, and public service, using expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), population studies, and regional languages to support U.S. d… AI in Action International Alumni Seminar The U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program invites alumni to apply for the AI in Action International Alumni Seminar, taking place in Riga, Latvia, from October 17–24, 2026.

This weeklong seminar will convene up to 25 CLS alumni for hands-on sessions with topic expe… 2026 CLS Alumni Ambassador Forum In April, the CLS Program hosted the 2026 CLS Alumni Ambassador Forum in Washington, D. C. – a multi-day training focused on outreach, leadership development, and expanding the program’s impact.

These ambassadors will represent CLS, engage prospective applicants, and build institutional partnerships… Several members of the OHIO community selected for prestigious international exchange awards everal Ohio University students, alumni and faculty members have been selected for prestigious awards and fellowships through the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) and Fulbright programs that will allow them to promote international, educational and cultural exchange in countries across the world.

Shared from , August 19, 2026 Five Huskers awarded fellowships for language learning Four University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduates and a recent alumna have earned nationally competitive language-learning fellowships that will support intensive study abroad and strengthen their preparation for globally focused careers.

Shared from , July 13, 2026 Winthrop Senior Receives Federal Help to Travel to Japan Winthrop University senior Levi Becht will spend two months this summer in Japan on a U.S. Department of State scholarship to work on his language skills. Shared from , June 16, 2026