A Program of the -
Sep 02, 2026
Announcing 2026 CLS Refresh!
The CLS Program is pleased to announce another cycle of CLS Refresh, a funded language learning opportunity for CLS alumni.
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Jul 13, 2026
CLS Alumni Highlight: Chelsea Cervantes De Blois
When Chelsea Cervantes De Blois first imagined her career, she saw herself as a scientist.
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Jun 03, 2026
AI in Action International Alumni Seminar
The U.S. Department of State’s CLS Program invites alumni to apply for the AI in Action International Alumni Seminar.
The CLS Program provides immersive summer programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security and economic prosperity.
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by American Councils for International Education.
The CLS Program provides immersive summer programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security and economic prosperity. Participants receive the equivalent of one year of language study in eight weeks, through intensive language instruction and cultural activities that reinforce both language learning and intercultural competence. Since 2006, the CLS Program has supported over 10,000 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students. CLS alumni represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
What Alumni Say About the CLS Program
Key Benefits
Develop Key Expertise
The CLS Program provides its scholars intensive language and cultural instruction in an environment designed to maximize their language gains at every level.
Career Ready Skills
Alumni apply their critical language skills in a variety of professional fields in public and private sectors as well as government, helping to support America’s competitiveness across the board.
Citizen Diplomacy
CLS scholars represent the breadth of the United States. Through personal engagement they help to spread American values and develop mutual understanding with the people of other countries.
Languages Offered
CLS News and Stories
Announcing 2026 CLS Refresh!
Applications for the 2026 CLS Refresh cycle are now open - a funded opportunity for CLS alumni to continue building their language skills. As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, as well as the 20th anniversary of the CLS Program, CLS Refresh offers an opportunity to honor our nati…September 02, 2026
CLS Alumni Highlight: Chelsea Cervantes De Blois
When Chelsea Cervantes De Blois first imagined her career, she saw herself as a scientist. Today, she works at the intersection of research, geospatial analysis, and public service, using expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), population studies, and regional languages to support U.S. d…July 13, 2026
AI in Action International Alumni Seminar
The U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program invites alumni to apply for the AI in Action International Alumni Seminar, taking place in Riga, Latvia, from October 17–24, 2026. This weeklong seminar will convene up to 25 CLS alumni for hands-on sessions with topic expe…June 03, 2026
2026 CLS Alumni Ambassador Forum
In April, the CLS Program hosted the 2026 CLS Alumni Ambassador Forum in Washington, D.C. – a multi-day training focused on outreach, leadership development, and expanding the program’s impact. These ambassadors will represent CLS, engage prospective applicants, and build institutional partnerships…May 29, 2026
CLS in the Press
Several members of the OHIO community selected for prestigious international exchange awards
everal Ohio University students, alumni and faculty members have been selected for prestigious awards and fellowships through the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) and Fulbright programs that will allow them to promote international, educational and cultural exchange in countries across the world.
Shared from , August 19, 2026
Five Huskers awarded fellowships for language learning
Four University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduates and a recent alumna have earned nationally competitive language-learning fellowships that will support intensive study abroad and strengthen their preparation for globally focused careers.
Shared from , July 13, 2026
Winthrop Senior Receives Federal Help to Travel to Japan
Winthrop University senior Levi Becht will spend two months this summer in Japan on a U.S. Department of State scholarship to work on his language skills.
Shared from , June 16, 2026