A collection of stories, updates, and coverage highlighting the CLS Program
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.
Program Updates
Jun 03, 2026
The U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program invites alumni to apply for the AI in Action International Alumni Seminar, taking place in Riga, Latvia, from October 17–24, 2026.
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.
Program Updates
Feb 25, 2026
Approximately 315 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students were selected for the 2026 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program.
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.
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.
CLS Perspectives
Jan 12, 2026
Alex Graber (2025 CLS Japanese) discusses the impact of CLS on his Biology major.
Alumni Impact
Jan 05, 2026
Coming Full Circle: From CLS Chinese in Nicaragua to Portuguese in Brazil
Program Updates
Jan 05, 2026
Help celebrate 20 years of CLS and help shape its future by taking the Long-Term Impact Survey today!
Program Updates
Dec 19, 2025
Apply to be a 2026 CLS Alumni Ambassador!
Program Updates
Mar 17, 2025
Congratulations to the nearly 600 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students selected for the 2025 CLS Program!
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.
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.
Alumni Impact
Jan 06, 2025
CLS Russian scholar begins his graduate studies as a Rhodes Scholar.
Program Updates
Dec 19, 2024
Apply to be a 2025 CLS Alumni Ambassador!
CLS Perspectives
Nov 12, 2024
Wajiha Mekki shares how her CLS Spark Arabic experience has ignited her passion for Arabic language and culture.
In the News
Aug 19, 2026
Several Ohio University students, alumni and faculty members have been selected for prestigious awards and fellowships through the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) and Fulbright programs that will allow them to promote international, educational and cultural exchange in countries across the world.
In the News
Jul 13, 2026
Four University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduates and a recent alumna have earned nationally competitive language-learning fellowships that will support intensive study abroad and strengthen their preparation for globally focused careers.
In the News
Jun 16, 2026
Winthrop University senior Levi Becht will spend two months this summer in Japan on a U.S. Department of State scholarship to work on his language skills.
Ready to start?
"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
Want to stay up to date with CLS? Sign up for our community newsletter for program updates, stories, and upcoming opportunities.
