Boren Scholarship Grant

Boren Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: National Security Education Program
Amount: Up to US $25,000
Last Updated: March 11, 2024

Summary

The Boren Scholarship offers funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study critical languages abroad, enhancing their linguistic and cultural competencies. The program prioritizes students committed to public service in national security roles and supports immersive experiences in diverse regions, excluding Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Awards vary based on the duration of study, with amounts reaching up to $25,000 for longer programs. This initiative fosters a deeper understanding of global cultures, vital for U.S. interests.

Overview

LANGUAGE Boren Scholars and Fellows study a wide range of critical languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, and Swahili. Boren Awards are available to students of all proficiency levels who are committed to enhancing their skills. CULTURE Boren Scholars and Fellows from diverse fields of study immerse themselves in the cultures in world regions underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. SERVICE Boren Awards alumni are committed to public service, working in positions critical to U.S. national security throughout the Federal Government, including the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, and USAID. BOREN SCHOLARSHIPS Fund study abroad by U.S. undergraduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad: Up to $25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)

Up to $12,500 for 12-24 weeks 
Up to $8,000 for 8-11 weeks (STEM majors only)
The Boren Awards fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad by U.S. undergraduate students. All eligible applicants have the option to either
Apply for a Regional Language InitiativeBoren Awards Regional Language Initiatives offer undergraduate Boren Scholars and graduate Boren Fellows carefully-selected, credit-bearing language courses during the summer (domestic) and fall (overseas), with the option to continue overseas study into the spring. In 2020, the Regional Language Initiatives include:The African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI) for the study of French, Portuguese, Swahili, Akan/Twi, Wolof, or ZuluThe Indonesian Flagship Language Initiative (IFLI) for the study of IndonesianThe South Asian Flagship Languages Initiative (SAFLI) for the study of Hindi or UrduNew in 2020! The Turkish Flagship Language Initiative (TURFLI) for the study of Turkish-OR-Select/Design Their Own Study Program

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Boren Scholarships are for undergraduate students. All applicants must be:U.S. citizens at the time of the national application deadlineA high school graduate, or have earned a GEDPlanning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New ZealandPlanning to study in a country of which they are not a citizenMatriculated for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program in an undergraduate degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(For ROTC cadets and midshipmen and members of the military Reserves or National Guard) In inactive, non-drilling status for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded programNote that only undergraduates majoring in subjects marked as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are eligible for summer-only awards of at least eight weeks’ duration.

Ineligibility

The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (colored grey in the map here) are always ineligible for Boren Awards funding.Boren Scholarships are not for study in the United States.