Critical Language Scholarship Program | CLS Refresh
U.S. Flag   State Department Seal   A Program of the U.S. Department of State

CLS Refresh

Applications for the 2025-2026 CLS Refresh cycle are now open - a funded opportunity for CLS alumni to continue building their language skills. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, as well as the 20th anniversary of the CLS Program, CLS Refresh offers an opportunity to honor our nation’s history while preparing for its future through global engagement.

Program Details
Selected alumni will receive up to 20 hours of one-on-one virtual language instruction with a CLS language institute partner between December 2025 and March 2026. Tutoring sessions may take place in the early morning or late evening hours due to time zone differences. Before applying, please review the general availability of your CLS language institute partner: CLS Refresh Language Dates and Hours.

Application Deadline

Applications are due by Sunday, November 16 at 11:59 PM ET: Start your application today!

Notifications will be sent by the end of November. Selected alumni will coordinate directly with their host institutes to schedule tutoring sessions.

Eligibility
CLS alumni in good standing - including 2025 participants - are eligible to apply. You may only apply for one Refresh language, and it must be a language you previously studied through CLS. Please note that selection may depend on partner institute capacity.

The following persons are ineligible:

  • Employees of the U.S. Department of State working in offices under the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Academic Programs, in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), for one year following the termination of their employment.
  • Employees of private and public agencies under contract or grant with the U.S. Department of State who perform services related to the CLS Program, for one year following the termination of their services.
  • Immediate family members (i.e., spouses and dependent children) of the individuals described in the above paragraphs, for one year following the termination of such employment or service. This provision does not disqualify self-supporting members of families who live apart from their parents.

Selection & Preference
Applicants will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment to and/or connection with their CLS language or region.

Preference will be given to U.S. military veterans and alumni who have not previously participated in CLS Refresh.