National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
NSLI-Y offers U.S. high school students immersive overseas or virtual programs to study critical languages and develop intercultural skills through intensive instruction and cultural experiences.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Summer & Academic Year) | June 2027 (Virtual NSLI-Y Fall)
Funding Amounts: Fully funded scholarships; all tuition, program fees, travel (for in-person), housing, and materials covered.
Summary: Immersive, merit-based scholarships for U.S. high school students to study critical world languages abroad or online.
Key Information: All dates are projected; confirm on the program website before applying.
Description
The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) provides merit-based scholarships for U.S. high school students to participate in intensive language and cultural immersion programs overseas or through a virtual format. The program is designed to foster lifelong interest and proficiency in languages critical to U.S. national security, including Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajik), Russian, and Turkish. Through formal instruction and immersive experiences, students develop both language skills and intercultural competence. Both beginner and intermediate learners are encouraged to apply, and previous language study is not required.
