NSLI-Y (Critical Languages)

What this program actually is

NSLI-Y (Critical Languages) is a scholarship run by U.S. State Department. It's built for 10th–12th grade students who want to apply for funding from U.S. State Department for Linguistics, International Relations, Humanities, Political Science.

The program runs for 6 weeks or academic year, based out of Abroad (nationwide eligibility). There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.

Who it's for

Programs like this get the strongest applications from students who can point to a specific reason they want this one — not just "any research program" or "any internship."

• Students in 10th–12th grade — check the official page for exact grade cutoffs before applying.
• Open to students nationwide (and often internationally — verify on the official site).
• This program explicitly prioritizes under-resourced students, first-generation applicants, or students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the field.
• Strongest fit for students already curious about: Linguistics, International Relations, Humanities, Political Science. You don't need prior formal experience — curiosity beats credentials.

Typical day-to-day in programs like this

The following describes what participants generally do in scholarships of this shape — not a confirmed schedule for NSLI-Y (Critical Languages). Always check the official program page for the actual activities.

• Complete an application (essays, transcripts, sometimes recommendations). This is a writing project.
• If awarded, receive funds toward tuition, summer programs, or educational expenses — read the terms carefully.
• Some scholarships come with a community or alumni network — that's often more valuable than the money itself.

How to apply well

Selection is competitive but not unrealistic. A thoughtful application usually beats a decorated one.

• Start with the deadline: Early November. Work backwards — most students underestimate how long recommendations and essay drafts take.
• Read the official page twice before writing anything. Note the exact prompts and word counts.
• Answer the actual question. Reviewers read hundreds of essays; specificity beats polish.
• Submit at least 24 hours before the deadline. Portals crash. Files fail to upload. Give yourself the buffer.

Cost, funding & logistics

Cost and logistics kill more applications than eligibility does. Sort these out before you get emotionally invested.

• Format: In person in Abroad (nationwide eligibility).
• Duration: 6 weeks or academic year.
• There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.
• If travel or housing is required and cost is a concern, email the program directly and ask what aid is available. Programs rarely publish everything they can offer.

After the program

The most valuable thing you take from NSLI-Y (Critical Languages) is usually the concrete outcome itself, not a network — this kind of scholarship doesn't come with guaranteed mentors or peers. Treat it as one data point in a bigger application story.

Add the program to your resume, but also write down (for yourself) what specifically you learned, what you'd do differently, and what question you now want to answer next. That reflection is what turns a summer into a direction.