Boren Awards: National Security Language Initiative

The Boren Awards program offers substantial funding for U.S. students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests but underrepresented in study abroad. Sponsored by the National Security Education Program, these awards include scholarships for undergraduates and fellowships for graduate students seeking intensive language training. Recipients receive up to $25,000 for overseas study programs focusing on language acquisition and cultural immersion. The program explicitly connects language proficiency to national security interests, requiring recipients to commit to federal government service after graduation.

Target Languages and World Regions

Priority languages include Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili, though dozens of less commonly taught languages qualify for funding consideration. The program emphasizes extended immersion experiences, with preference given to proposals for programs lasting six months or longer to achieve meaningful language acquisition. Academic programs must incorporate significant language instruction, with successful applications demonstrating how intensive language study connects to broader academic and career goals. Preference typically goes to applicants planning study in regions including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Many recipients participate in specially designed intensive language programs that combine classroom instruction with experiential learning through homestays and community engagement. The Boren program particularly values proposals that demonstrate awareness of the target country’s contemporary political, economic, and social environment. Applications should articulate clear connections between the proposed language study and specific national security challenges. Geographic preferences may shift annually based on evolving U.S. strategic priorities, with certain regions receiving heightened focus.

Service Requirement and Career Pathways

Recipients must fulfill a federal service requirement working for agencies involved in national security affairs, broadly defined. The service obligation typically requires at least one year of employment in positions related to the student’s language expertise and regional knowledge. Many Boren alumni secure positions with the State Department, Department of Defense, intelligence community, or development agencies. The program provides specialized career guidance through dedicated advisors who help recipients navigate federal hiring processes.