The U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program provides critical language study overseas for U.S. high school students through full, merit-based scholarships to participate in intensive summer and academic year programs. Participants study a critical language while immersed in the culture and day-to-day life of the host country.
NSLI-Y is part of the National Security Language Initiative, a multi-agency U.S. government initiative launched in 2006 to improve Americans' ability to engage with people from around the world. NSLI-Y increases the number of American youth who learn critical languages in support of strengthening U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. NSLI-Y participants serve as citizen ambassadors, representing the United States abroad and building lasting relationships with people in their host countries. No previous language skills are required.
Program Length
Summer and Academic YearEligibility and Application Overview
All applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen currently enrolled in high school;
- Be 15-to-18 years old at the start of the program; and
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Meet other criteria as defined in the application.
For more information about the program, visit the NSLI-Y website.
