The National Security Education Program – Language & Linguistics Focus

Name: The National Security Education Program (Boren Awards) – Language & Linguistics Focus

Award Amount: $8,000 – $25,000 depending on program length

Information and Eligibility:
The Boren Awards, offered through the National Security Education Program (NSEP), provide substantial funding for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who wish to study less commonly taught languages that are critical to U.S. national security. These awards support immersive language study and cultural learning in regions typically underrepresented in traditional study-abroad programs, including Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East.

The program places a strong emphasis on linguistic and cultural proficiency, making it an excellent opportunity for students specializing in linguistics, applied linguistics, language studies, anthropology, international relations or related fields. Boren Scholars and Fellows commit to federal service—typically with national security, intelligence, diplomacy or international development roles—after completing their academic program.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Academic Level: Open to both undergraduate (Boren Scholarships) and graduate (Boren Fellowships) students.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Field of Study: Must plan to study a NSEP-approved language in a qualifying country.
• Program Type: Must participate in an eligible study-abroad or language-immersion program.
• Service Requirement: Must agree to a one-year federal service commitment upon graduation.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application for a Boren Scholarship or Fellowship.
• Two to three essays discussing academic goals, national security relevance and language-study plans.
• Academic transcripts.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Proposed study plan describing language, location and program structure.

Selection Criteria:

• Clear commitment to government service and national security–related careers.
• Strong rationale for studying the chosen language and region.
• Academic preparation and relevance of language or linguistics coursework.
• Feasibility and strength of the proposed study-abroad plan.

Additional Details:

• Funding levels vary depending on program duration, with higher awards for longer immersion programs.
• Languages must be on the NSEP-approved list—typically “critical need” languages.
• Ideal for students pursuing linguistics, international affairs, anthropology, area studies and related fields.
• Recipients join a nationwide network of Boren Scholars, Fellows and federal service professionals.

Deadline:

• January

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