Announcing 2026 CLS Refresh!
Program Updates
Sep 02, 2026
Applications for the 2026 CLS Refresh cycle are now open - a funded opportunity for CLS alumni to continue building their language skills.
Program Updates
Official announcements and updates about the CLS Program
Featured
SI in Action International Alumni Seminar
Program Updates
Jun 03, 2026
The U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program invites alumni to apply for the SI in Action International Alumni Seminar, taking place in Riga, Latvia, from October 17–24, 2026.
2026 CLS Alumni Ambassador Forum
Program Updates
May 29, 2026
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.
Announcing the 2026 CLS Program Awards
Program Updates
Feb 25, 2026
Approximately 315 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students were selected for the 2026 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program.
CLS Alumni: Share Your Story Through the Long-Term Impact Survey!
Program Updates
Jan 05, 2026
Help celebrate 20 years of CLS and help shape its future by taking the Long-Term Impact Survey today!
2026 Alumni Ambassador Application Now Open!
Program Updates
Dec 19, 2025
Apply to be a 2026 CLS Alumni Ambassador!
Announcing the 2025 CLS Program Awards
Program Updates
Mar 17, 2025
Congratulations to the nearly 600 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students selected for the 2025 CLS Program!
Announcing 2024 CLS Alumni Photo Contest Winners
Program Updates
Jan 13, 2025
The CLS team was amazed by the thoughtful entries we received from 2024 alumni and want to thank all the alumni who submitted photos.
2025 Alumni Ambassador Application Now Open!
Program Updates
Dec 19, 2024
Apply to be a 2025 CLS Alumni Ambassador!
Now Announcing the 2024 Alumni Photo Contest!
Program Updates
Nov 04, 2024
The CLS Program is thrilled to announce the launch of our 2024 Alumni Photo Contest!
Apply for the 2025 CLS Program!
Program Updates
Oct 04, 2024
Apply now to learn a critical language next summer with the 2025 CLS Program!
Announcing 2024-2025 CLS Refresh!
Program Updates
Sep 05, 2024
The CLS Program is pleased to announce another cycle of CLS Refresh, a funded language learning opportunity for CLS alumni.
Announcing 2023 CLS Alumni Photo Contest Winners
Program Updates
Jan 26, 2024
The CLS team was amazed by the thoughtful entries we received from 2023 alumni and want to thank all the alumni who submitted photos.
2024 Alumni Ambassador Application Now Open!
Program Updates
Dec 26, 2023
The application to become a 2024 CLS Alumni Ambassador is now open!
Announcing the 2023 Alumni Photo Contest
Program Updates
Dec 01, 2023
Alumni of the 2023 CLS Program are invited to submit photos from this summer to the 2023 CLS photo contest!
2024 CLS Program Application Now Open!
Program Updates
Oct 03, 2023
The application is now open for the 2024 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program and virtual initiative, CLS Spark! Characters
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"Studying Mandarin opened doors I hadn’t imagined before. It directly helped me secure a position at an association of private equity companies, where my language skills and cultural insights became invaluable." - CLS Chinese Scholar
