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.
News & Stories
A collection of stories, updates, and coverage highlighting the CLS Program
Featured
CLS Alumni Highlight: Chelsea Cervantes De Blois
Alumni Impact
Jul 13, 2026
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. diplomacy.
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 Highlight: Addison Miller
Alumni Impact
Feb 17, 2026
Addison Miller (2024 CLS Chinese) leveraged her experience to shape her path toward a career in international and comparative education.
CLS Alumni Highlight: Sam Bowden
Alumni Impact
Feb 05, 2026
Sam Bowden (2024 CLS Russian) leveraged his interests to build meaningful international connections and launch a career in foreign policy.
Beyond the Lab: The Value of Studying Abroad for STEM Students
CLS Perspectives
Jan 12, 2026
Alex Graber (2025 CLS Japanese) discusses the impact of CLS on his Biology major.
CLS Alumni Highlight: Lucas San Miguel
Alumni Impact
Jan 05, 2026
Coming Full Circle: From CLS Chinese in Nicaragua to Portuguese in Brazil
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!
The Critical Importance of Learning a Foreign Language in the Military
Alumni Impact
Mar 06, 2025
This blog is written by CLS alumnus Hyunbean Park, an Army Officer and alumnus of the 2024 CLS Russian 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.
CLS Alumnus Begins Life as Rhodes Scholar
Alumni Impact
Jan 06, 2025
CLS Russian scholar begins his graduate studies as a Rhodes Scholar.
2025 Alumni Ambassador Application Now Open!
Program Updates
Dec 19, 2024
Apply to be a 2025 CLS Alumni Ambassador!
Latest Press
A Rollins Graduate’s Summer in Korea
In the News
Sep 28, 2026
French horn player and Major in Music Joshua Song (’26) was this year’s only recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) from Rollins College.
Akash Nayak ’27 discusses teaching peace education in Bosnia, work for Global Research Institute
In the News
Sep 22, 2026
Critical Language Scholarships Send Pomona Students Overseas for Intercultural Learning
In the News
Sep 22, 2026
Zena Almeida-Warwin ’28 and Sarah Owosina ’29 lived abroad this summer to boost their intercultural competencies and reinforce their academic priorities as participants in the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program.
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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
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