Applications for popular federally-supported language learning scholarships for U.S. students – the Critical Language Scholarship, and the Boren Awards – are currently open!
• Critical Language Scholarship applications are due, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 at 7:00 pm CT.
o See list of eligible languages for CLS, https://clscholarship.org/languages
• Boren Scholarship applications are due, Wednesday January 28, 2026.
o See list of eligible languages for Boren, https://www.borenawards.org/eligible-programs#languages
• Both awards:
o Official selection criteria (CLS, Boren) and essay prompts (CLS, Boren) have been substantially updated.
o Increased emphasis is placed on learning languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security and economic prosperity, and on the connection between language learning and careers or professional goals that will contribute substantively to U.S. leadership. This “mindset shift” is particularly important to explain to students who have previously applied, or who have questions about the impact of recent executive orders on these fellowships competitions.
• CLS:
o Fewer (only 9) languages will be offered, and no virtual “Spark” programs will be offered, in summer 2026. Note that the website is still being updated with specific 2026 language institute locations and dates.
o Supporting student rhetorical awareness: The familiar phrasing “building mutual understanding” is no longer in the U.S. Department of State’s mission or the essay prompts. CLS applicants who plan to revise essays from previous years should be alerted to the current phrasing, “citizen diplomacy,” for the relationship-building aspects of U.S. Department of State awards.
• Boren:
o The new Executive Orders (EOs) Disclaimer – “In compliance with the Executive Orders, the Boren Awards may not fund coursework, research, or educational activities (such as internships) that focus on the prohibited topics of gender ideology, diversity