STARTALK Grant - Arabic Language Program (Exploring the Madina)

STARTALK Grant - Arabic Language Program

Geographic Scope: United States; program held at VMI in Lexington, Virginia

Program Name: Exploring the Madina (madina = Arabic word for city)

A competitive $141,000 grant received for the 2023-24 academic year to teach Arabic, a language deemed "critically needed" by the U.S. Department of State. The grant provides scholarships for six credit hours of Arabic study for 15 students.

Program Details

Focus: Teaching Arabic language and cultural proficiency

Program Components:

• Takes complete beginners to the intermediate level of Arabic
• Gain cultural proficiency through guest lectures
• Performances of authentic Arab music
• Immersive experience of a "Mousem" festival
• Oral proficiency interview for each student with goal of reaching novice speaking level or better

Schedule:

• Summer classroom lessons: June 26 - July 23, 2023 (5 hours per day)
• Fall and Spring semesters: 60-90 minutes per week
• Cultural events before, during, and at conclusion of program (May 2024)

Eligibility

• Current high school sophomores (in 2022-23 school year)
• High school juniors (in 2022-23 school year)
• High school seniors (in 2022-23 school year)
• First-year college students (in 2022-23 school year)

Why Arabic?

According to Maj. Jason W. Schroepfer, Ph.D., assistant professor of modern languages and cultures:

• The United States is engaged politically, militarily, and economically in the Middle East and North Africa
• Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world
• Proficient Arabic speakers are in high demand
• Students who learn Arabic will have an advantage in acquiring good-paying jobs

Contact Information

VMI Alumni Agencies

• Phone: 800-444-1839 or 540-464-7328
• Fax: 540-463-1701
• Email: give@vmiaa.org
• Address: P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450

Program Contact:

• Maj. Jason W. Schroepfer, Ph.D., Department of Modern Languages and Cultures

Application Process

Status: Applications currently being accepted (as of article publication date)

Timeline:

• Participants will be selected in February
• Program begins June 26, 2023

Steps:

1. Complete application (details available via link on VMI website)
2. Submit application by deadline
3. Selected in February for participation

Required Information:

• Application materials (specific requirements found on application portal)

Note: For additional information and to apply, visit the program application portal (referenced but specific URL not provided in source material)