Critical National Security Languages Grant
Forecasted
The Critical National Security Languages Grant supports Virginia public school divisions by funding teachers for Arabic, Mandarin, Korean, and Russian courses to introduce or expand critical language instruction.
Funder: Virginia Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $250,000 available in each of FY2027 and FY2028; requests of $0–$250,000 per year
Summary: Competitive grants help Virginia public school divisions fund teaching positions for critical world language courses.
Key Information: Funds may only support eligible teaching positions and must supplement, not replace, available local funds.
Description
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) administers this competitive program for public school divisions offering world language courses identified as critical by the National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship program. For the current grant cycle, eligible languages are Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Russian. Grants support one or more full-time equivalent teaching positions to deliver these courses.
Established through Virginia’s Appropriations Act in 2023, the program was previously called the NSLI grant. It supports new or expanded critical language instruction, including courses at additional schools, grade levels, or sections. Applications are scored on program design, teacher qualifications, student interest, sustainability, and division characteristics.
