Critical Language Scholarship Program | Impact

CLS Program Impact

American Communities

Since its inception in 2006, the CLS Program has supported nearly 10,000 participants to gain critical language skills and intercultural competence, which are in demand in a globalized workforce and increase a student's competitiveness across career fields. CLS alumni represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Each summer, over 500 American students enrolled at colleges and universities across the United States spend approximately eight weeks studying one of a dozen languages either overseas or virtually. Participants gain the equivalent of one year of language study, as the CLS Program maximizes language and cultural instruction in an intensive environment. Scholars represent a broad range of institutions, including large public four-year institutions, smaller liberal arts colleges, community colleges and professional schools. CLS Program scholars represent over 200 distinct institutions each year.


Impact on Careers

CLS alumni apply their critical language skills in fields that support American competitiveness, including business, medicine, trade, diplomacy, and government. The majority of CLS alumni in the workforce report that the language skills gained through the CLS Program made them a more competitive candidate for their jobs. According to participants surveyed:

  • 93% of participants say the CLS Program influenced their career goals
  • 87% continued studying their CLS language after the program
  • 80% of alumni used their CLS language in their academic, professional, or social lives in the past year
  • 68% use the cultural knowledge they gained their careers
  • Nearly 20% of participants are studying in STEM fields

Building Important Language Skills Quickly

Every aspect of the CLS Program is designed to contribute to language learning. Participants study and learn in an immersive environment, including housing with local host families or roommates, over 20 hours per week of intense classroom study, and cultural classes and activities to augment their language coursework.

The result is that students on the CLS Program make significant gains in their language skills in only eight short weeks. They are then able to contribute those skills back home, in their academic and professional careers.


Mutual Understanding

The CLS Program contributes to the U.S. Department of State's goal of building mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

CLS scholars are responsible for representing their American communities to people who may have a limited understanding of America and American values. By building real relationships through understanding and communication, the CLS Program contributes to a more peaceful world.