National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
Forecasted
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) supports high school students in language and cultural study abroad or online to build proficiency and lasting interest in foreign languages.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Summer and academic-year application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Fully funded scholarships for summer or academic-year study abroad
Summary: NSLI-Y provides merit-based scholarships for U.S. high school students to study critical languages and cultures abroad or online.
Key Information: Overseas programs serve eligible high school students ages 15–18; previous language study is not required.
Description
The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is a U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program delivered in partnership with American Councils for International Education. It provides merit-based scholarships for high school students to study less commonly taught languages, with offerings in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Russian.
Summer and academic-year programs combine intensive language classes with host-family stays, cultural activities, and immersion in a host community. Participants practice language formally and informally while experiencing their host country’s culture and society. A beginner-level virtual program also introduces students to critical languages and cultures and builds global competence. NSLI-Y aims to advance language proficiency and spark a lasting interest in foreign languages and cultures.
