Critical Language Scholarship Program | Selection Panels
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Selection Panels

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the 400+ evaluators who reviewed applications for the 2024 CLS Program. Your dedication and expertise are vital to the success and integrity of the CLS Program, and we deeply appreciate your time and effort.

If you are interested in serving as an evaluator in the future, please keep an eye out for our recruitment email in the fall. We actively recruit from the CLS advisor network, NAFA and SECUSS-L listservs, and professional organizations for language faculty.

  • Evaluate applications

    The CLS Program invites language faculty, area specialists, education abroad professionals, fellowship advisors, and CLS alumni to participate in its annual selection process.

    Finalists are selected through a two-round process conducted virtually:

    • First Round - Each application is reviewed twice by independent evaluators. This round begins after the application deadline in November and concludes by the end of December.
    • Second Round - Top applications (i.e., semi-finalists) are reviewed by a separate pool of evaluators. These evaluators read each application before participating in a virtual, day-long panel to discuss the selected applications. Panels, scheduled over a two-week period from late January to early February, result in recommendations for scholarship finalists, alternate candidates, and non-select applications.


    Evaluators are assigned to either the first or second round and to review applications for either the CLS Overseas Institutes or CLS Spark. While proficiency and teaching experience in a CLS language are helpful, they are not required.

    To ensure a broad range of perspectives, the CLS Program makes an effort to include both new evaluators as well as those with prior experience evaluating CLS applications in the second round.

  • How to become an evaluator

    If you are interested in participating in the selection process for the upcoming cycle, please fill out the evaluator interest form.

    If you have any questions, please contact clsadvisors@americancouncils.org.

  • Benefits of serving as an evaluator
    • Gain insights into the selection process, including how the selection criteria and rubric are applied
    • Learn about what makes a compelling application for different audiences, including education abroad advisors, fellowship advisors, and language faculty
    • Have a voice in the selection process, ensuring it is fair and inclusive
    • Participate in a national-level professional development opportunity through service
    • Play a key role in shaping the next CLS Program cohort
    • Expand your professional network

  • After the selection process

    After the second round of the selection process, the U.S. Department of State will review the list of recommended scholarship finalists, alternate candidates, and non-select applications.

    The CLS Program will notify semi-finalists of their status via email in early March.