The Boren Awards Scholarship is a prestigious U.S. government-funded program designed to promote language skills, cultural understanding, and global competence among American students. Funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), the Boren Awards provide funding for undergraduate and graduate students to study in regions critical to U.S. national security. In exchange, scholarship recipients commit to working in a federal government position for at least one year, using their acquired language skills and regional expertise to support national security efforts.
What is the Boren Awards Scholarship?
The Boren Awards Scholarship is aimed at encouraging U.S. students to study less commonly taught languages in regions that are critical to U.S. interests. These include areas like Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The scholarship focuses on regions and languages that are often overlooked in traditional study abroad programs, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in unique cultural and linguistic experiences.
The Boren Awards include both undergraduate and graduate programs:
Boren Scholarships
Available for undergraduate students planning to study abroad in eligible countries.
Boren Fellowships
Targeted toward graduate students pursuing language and cultural studies in regions of interest.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Boren Awards Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens at the time of application.
- Be enrolled in a U.S.-based institution of higher education (undergraduate or graduate) and applying for a program in an eligible country.
- Demonstrate an interest in learning less commonly taught languages and working in fields related to U.S. national security.
- Be willing to fulfill the government service requirement after completion of the scholarship program.
How to Apply
Applying for the Boren Awards Scholarship involves several steps:
Applicants must choose an eligible study abroad program in a region and language that aligns with Boren’s goals.
This includes personal statements, transcripts, language evaluations, and two letters of recommendation. Graduate students applying for the Boren Fellowship must also submit a research proposal.
Submit the Application
Applications are submitted online through the Boren Awards portal. Deadlines vary, but applications typically close in early February for the upcoming academic year.
Benefits of the Boren Awards Scholarship
Boren Scholarships offer up to $25,000 for undergraduate study abroad, while Boren Fellowships provide up to $30,000 for graduate study. The funding can be used for tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Language and Cultural Immersion
The scholarship encourages the study of less commonly taught languages, helping students gain expertise in critical regions and cultures.
Federal Government Career Pathway
Scholarship recipients are required to work in the federal government for at least one year, offering a unique opportunity to apply language and cultural skills in a national security setting.
Long-Term Impact
The skills and experiences gained through the Boren Awards can open doors to careers in government, intelligence, diplomacy, and other sectors focused on international relations and national security.
Conclusion
The Boren Awards Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for students who are passionate about languages, global cultures, and public service. By supporting study in critical regions and fostering expertise in less commonly taught languages, the Boren Awards help prepare the next generation of leaders in U.S. national security. Students who are ready to embark on a transformative academic and professional journey should consider applying for this prestigious scholarship.
What is the main focus of the Boren Awards Scholarship?
The Boren Awards Scholarship focuses on encouraging U.S. students to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. national security, such as Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Who is eligible for the Boren Awards Scholarship?
Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled in a U.S. institution, and planning to study abroad in an eligible region. They should also be interested in learning less commonly taught languages and committed to working in the U.S. federal government after the program.
How much funding does the Boren Awards Scholarship provide?
The Boren Scholarship for undergraduates offers up to $25,000 for study abroad, while the Boren Fellowship for graduate students provides up to $30,000. These funds can be used for tuition, living expenses, and travel.
What is the government service requirement for Boren recipients?
Recipients of the Boren Awards are required to work in a federal government position related to national security for at least one year after completing their academic program. This provides a direct pathway to careers in government and public service.
What is the application deadline for the Boren Awards Scholarship?
The application deadline typically falls in early February for programs starting in the upcoming academic year. Specific deadlines may vary, so it is essential to check the official Boren Awards website for the exact date.