National Security Language Initiative
The National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) is a program introduced by United States President George W. Bush on January 5, 2006 at the U.S. University President's Summit to develop the foreign language skills of American high school students, especially in "critical-need" foreign languages such as Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Hindi, and Persian. The initiative was given $114 million in fiscal year 2007 and $26.6 million in 2008 to expand programs from kindergarten level to universities. Schools were additionally awarded $750 million for critical language education.
The National Security Language Initiative | |
Seal of the U.S. Department of State | |
Logo of the NSLI | |
Founded | 2006 |
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Founder | • U.S. Department of State •American Councils for International Education |
Type | Government initiative |
Focus | Language education, intercultural dialogue, promote international diplomacy |
Location |
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Region | United States
Partner/host countries: |
Members | 6,500 (2020) |
Employees | 300+ |
Website | https://www.nsliforyouth.org/ |
The program is a part of multiple programs promoted by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), such as the Fulbright Program, the Gilman Program, and the Critical Language Scholarship Program. The White House has noted in 2011 that ECA alumni number over one million globally, including over 50 Nobel laureates and over 300 current or former heads of state.