Program Impact
Providing critical language and intercultural skills to 10,000+ Americans from all 50 states.
Launched in 2006 under the National Security Language Initiative, the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is part of a U.S. government effort to increase the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages. CLS alumni use their skills to advance U.S. interests, drive innovation, and address global challenges in technology, medicine, national defense, and beyond.
Participant Impact
CLS alumni leverage their language and cultural expertise in careers as global leaders.
100%
strengthened their job skills.
100%
advanced their language abilities.
96%
feel more competitive in today's job market.
93%
credit CLS with shaping their career goals
“The CLS Program has helped me achieve many of my language goals and given me practice I could not have gotten elsewhere. Because of this, I am now more equipped to work in U.S. fields that require cross-cultural communication, such as data science, government, and international business—bringing real benefits to both my community and the country.”
— CLS Chinese Scholar
National Impact
CLS alumni bring back their global experiences to U.S. communities, enriching all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. They serve as diplomats, military officers, entrepreneurs, teachers and scientists—broadening America’s global perspective and capacity.
99%
built meaningful connections with other cultures.
99%
gained language and technical skills for academic and professional success.
97%
deeped their understanding of global cultures and values.
87%
feel empowered to make a difference in the United States.
“The language and cultural skills I learned are absolutely vital in my role as a U.S. Naval officer. CLS improved my ability to engage with other communities, lead multifaceted teams, and problem-solve. As I prepare for deployment to the Indo-Pacific, this knowledge is critical for America’s long-term security in the region.”
— CLS Indonesian Scholar
LANGUAGE LEARNING AND U.S. COMPETITIVENESS
CLS participants achieve rapid language gains, completing the equivalent of one year of college-level study in just eight weeks. CLS alumni directly advance U.S. economic competitiveness, national security, and diplomacy, ensuring America’s continued leadership on the global stage.
- 94% reach intermediate of advanced proficiency.
- 87% continued language study after CLS.
- 73% of employed alumni work in sectors critical to U.S. engagement, including business, education, and government.
- 71% use their CLS language and/or host country knowledge at work.
This accelerated learning is especially timely, as ACTFL’s Making Languages Our Business report highlights the growing demand for language proficiency across the U.S. workforce.
- 90% of employers rely on employees with foreign language skills; one in three report a skills gap.
- 25% of employers lost business in the past three years due to a lack of language capacity, with the risk rising to 50% among firms with identified gaps.
“I undertook the CLS Program specifically because I will be beginning research on strengthening America’s relationship with the Middle East, bringing U.S. and regional interests closer together and reducing tensions that could pose a national security risk.”
— CLS Arabic Scholar
EDUCATION ABROAD PARTICIPATION AND CAREER IMPACT
The 2025 Forum on Education Abroad report confirms the long-term value of education abroad. These findings show the enduring professional and economic benefits of international education.
- Study abroad participants earn, on average, 6.3% more in their first job after graduation than peers who do not, with an average salary premium of $4,159.
- Studying abroad does not delay employment; participants are hired as quickly as peers (79 vs. 81 days to first job).
- The earnings premium persists over time, with study abroad participants maintaining higher salaries across raises, bonuses, and retirement contributions—resulting in significantly greater lifetime earnings.