National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) supports U.S. high school students in intensive language study and cultural immersion abroad to spark lifelong interest in languages and cultures.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates: November 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET (2027–28 summer and academic-year programs)
Funding Amounts: Fully funded scholarships; 6–7 weeks for summer or 8–10 months for academic-year programs
Summary: Merit-based scholarships support U.S. high school students in intensive language study and cultural immersion abroad.
Key Information: Applicants must be U.S. high school students ages 15–18; previous language study is not required.
Description
The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) provides merit-based scholarships for high school students to study less commonly taught languages through overseas immersion. American Councils for International Education partners with the U.S. Department of State to deliver this program of the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Scholarships support study of Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Russian—languages critical to U.S. national security.
Summer and academic-year participants combine intensive language classes with host-family stays, cultural activities, and immersion in a host community. These experiences offer formal and informal language practice while introducing students to the culture and society of their host country. The program aims to spark lifelong interest in foreign languages and cultures. NSLI-Y also offers a beginner-level online program introducing critical languages and cultures.
