The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program aims to increase the number of American youth who learn critical foreign languages in support of bolstering U.S. national security, promoting U.S. competitiveness and economic prosperity, and building mutual understanding with critical regions of the world. The award will support approximately 275 American teens to study critical languages through intensive overseas language programs in locations where the target languages are widely spoken, and through virtual programming. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations may submit proposals to cooperate with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the overall administration of NSLI-Y and the implementation of summer, academic year, and virtual programs. Some key aspects of the program include: • Promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing understanding between participants and their host communities • Increasing the ability of participants to recognize and counter disinformation • Enhancing the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs by leveraging the Bureau's resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships • Providing opportunities for participants to engage with other cultures and learn about different countries and their values • Supporting the development of critical language skills and promoting language learning