Boren Scholarship: Eligibility and Requirements
Language Focus:
The Boren Scholarship places a strong emphasis on less commonly taught languages critical to U.S. national security interests.
These languages include:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Korean
- Russian
- Swahili
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine commitment to learning the language they choose and possess a strong motivation to apply their language skills in future careers related to national security.
Citizenship:
The Boren Scholarship is open to U.S. citizens only.
Applicants must provide proof of their citizenship status.
Undergraduate Status:
The scholarship is specifically designed for undergraduate students.
Individuals pursuing graduate degrees are not eligible.
Academic Enrollment:
Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. institution of higher education accredited by a recognized accrediting body at the time of application.
Students can be enrolled in any field of study, as long as they can demonstrate how their proposed study abroad program and language skills are relevant to U.S. national security.
Study Abroad Requirement:
Boren Scholars commit to studying abroad for a minimum of one academic year (two semesters or three quarters).
Summer-only programs do not meet the requirement.
The study abroad program must be in a country where the chosen language is spoken extensively.
Service Requirement:
Upon completion of the scholarship, recipients must fulfill a service requirement.
Boren Scholars are required to work for a federal agency involved in national security for at least one year within three years of graduation.
Academic Merit:
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and possess a record of academic excellence.
This includes maintaining a competitive GPA throughout their undergraduate studies.
Personal Statement:
The application process includes a personal statement that allows applicants to articulate their academic and career goals, language learning aspirations, and how they plan to contribute to U.S. national security.
Letters of Recommendation:
Applicants must submit letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their academic abilities, language aptitude, and commitment to national security.
Application Deadline:
The Boren Scholarship has specific application deadlines that usually fall in the early months of the year.
Applicants should review the official Boren Scholarship website for the most up-to-date information.
Review and Selection:
The selection process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the applications, including:
- academic merit
- language proficiency
- commitment to national security
- potential impact of the proposed study abroad program.
The Boren Scholarship program has a rigorous selection process due to the limited number of awards available each year.
Duration And Awards
Boren Scholars commit to a minimum of one year of language study abroad in a country where the target language is spoken.
The scholarship offers funding for tuition, travel, living expenses, and other related costs, with a maximum award of $25,000 for a full academic year.
Impact Of Boren Scholarship.
Fosters linguistic and cultural proficiency among future leaders.
Supports the study of critical languages and regions around the world.
Provides funding for tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Encourages cultural immersion and community engagement.
Promotes international understanding and collaboration.
Enhances career prospects in government, diplomacy, and related fields.
Builds a network of alumni dedicated to national security and global engagement.
Shapes the careers and perspectives of recipients.
Bridges language and cultural gaps between the U.S. and other countries.
Creates a new generation of leaders with global expertise and language skills.
Contributes to national security and global stability.
Provides valuable international experience and cultural competence.
Summary:
The Boren Scholarship, established by the NSEP, promotes linguistic and cultural proficiency among future US leaders.
It emphasizes less commonly taught critical languages.
Eligibility requires US citizenship, undergraduate status, enrollment in an accredited institution, and commitment to national security.
Applicants must study abroad for at least one year in a language-intensive program.
A service requirement involves working for a federal agency related to national security.
Academic merit, personal statements, and letters of recommendation are important.
The scholarship provides funding for tuition, travel, and living expenses.
It fosters cultural immersion, international understanding, and collaboration.
Boren Scholars have enhanced career prospects, contribute to national security, and bridge cultural gaps.
It shapes the careers and perspectives of recipients, creating a new generation of global leaders.