Your Guide to this Prestigious National Security Funding Opportunity
The Boren Scholarships are one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarship programs in the United States focused on expanding our knowledge of less commonly taught languages and areas that are critical to our national security. As the application deadline for the 2024 Boren Scholarships approaches on January 31st, 2023, the time is now to start preparing your application and learning all you can to maximize your chances of being selected.
What is the Boren Scholarship Program?
The Boren Scholarships program was established in 1991 and is sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) in order to develop a more globally engaged and national security-minded citizenry. It aims to increase the pool of applicants with skills and experience in areas of the world critical to the security and stability of the United States.
The Boren Scholarship provides up to $25,000 for language study overseas. Recipients commit to a one-year service in the federal government after graduation in a position with national security responsibilities. This one-year service requirement is how the program aims to directly benefit our national security agencies like the State Department, Defense Department, intelligence community, and more.
Boren Scholarships fund study in any language globally. However, priority is given to languages deemed critical to U.S. national security like Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Indic, Asian & African languages, and others that are less commonly taught in the U.S. Recipients must study abroad in a country where their language is primarily spoken. The award supports an academic year, semester, or summer of full-time language study and cultural enrichment at an overseas university.
To be eligible for a Boren Scholarship, there are several key requirements applicants must meet:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate at a U.S. college/university, or be undergraduate planning to graduate within the next academic year when applying
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Not be a senior graduating in the upcoming winter/spring term
- Demonstrate a sincere interest in studying a language global regions critical to U.S. national security
- Have a realistic plan to fulfill the service requirement after graduation
The most competitive Boren applicants are typically social science and STEM majors with clear interests linking their field to national security. While any major is allowed, humanities majors sometimes struggle more to convey the program’s service requirement benefits their post-graduation career path.
Applicants must also have realistic language proficiency expectations. For a summer study program, 2-3 semesters worth of prior language study would normally be required. An academic year program usually requires 4-5 semesters of language study. True beginners are very rarely funded.
The Application Process
Applying for a Boren Scholarship is competitive, so starting the process early and submitting a polished, thoughtful application is key. Here are the main steps:
1. Check Application Deadline
Boren Scholarships have a single annual deadline of January 31st for study during the upcoming academic year. Mark your calendar now!
2. Research Study Locations/Programs
Begin investigating specific overseas universities, language institutes, and programs that match your skill level. Outline preliminary plans for where, when, and what you’ll study on your application.
3. Arrange for Letters of Recommendation
Approach recommenders like professors well in advance with context on how they know you and your abilities for the program’s mission. Give them 4-6 weeks notice minimum.
4. Write Competitive Personal Statement
Personal statements should demonstrate language skills, academics, interests in a security-relevant field or region, and commitment to national service after graduation. Emphasize how your background experiences inform your goals.
5. Assemble Required Application Materials
After developing the materials above, register with NSEP and submit one consolidated application containing transcripts, language evaluations, resume, recommenders’ info, etc. by the deadline.
6. Interview (For Finalists)
Finalists may be contacted for brief interviews. Practice explaining any parts of your application and goals further if interviewed. Interviews do not guarantee selection.
Boren staff reviews applications holistically, weighing factors like applicants’ potential to advance language skills and later contribute to national security goals through federal service. Rigorous attention to quality at every step of preparation and application is paramount to standing out among top candidates.
Tips for a Competitive Application
With some fine-tuning, anyone with sincere interest and dedication can submit a winning Boren application. Here’s advice on standing out:
- Connect specific desired country/language to future career goals clearly. Spell out exactly where the award will take you and why it matters.
- Discuss at least one academic course, research project, event, etc. that inspired language/regional interest. Provide tangible examples.
- Demonstrate language skills through the transcript, immersive experiences abroad/domestically, or any other means beyond classroom study alone.
- Craft a persuasive personal statement conveying maturity, independence, and commitment beyond stating goals/interests.
- Highlight relevant extracurriculars, work experiences, or volunteer roles developing relevant skills like adaptability, and initiative.
- Tie academic focus cohesively to national security sector interest articulated in service requirement discussion.
- Have recommenders address specific experiences, skills, and potential to succeed through the full scholarship program cycle.
- Polish writing to eliminate errors and communicate passion eloquently for competitive review. Proofread thoroughly!
Applicants earning Boren awards stand out for providing depth, specificity, and human dimensions to their narratives about target language cultures and applications to national roles. Start strengthening all application factors well in advance to maximize competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
With such a unique scholarship program, applicants may have additional common questions that require clarification. Here are answers to five frequently asked questions:
1. How Do I Determine Which Languages Are Critical?
Each year NSEP announces the critical languages it sees as the highest national priorities that year. Top languages tend to include Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Farsi, and some others. Check the Boren website or consult a program officer for that current cycle’s priorities.
2. If Selected, How Is My Service Requirement Fulfilled?
Successful recipients accept a commitment to work for one year in the federal government in a national security-related position within the first three years after completing their overseas grant-funded study. Graduates apply internally within agencies like the State Department for jobs meeting this criterion.
3. What Happens If I Can’t Complete My Service Obligation?
Failure to serve or fulfill the one-year commitment in a qualifying federal role results in the scholarship converting to an interest-bearing loan that must be repaid. Exceptions are rare and closely reviewed based on documented extenuating circumstances beyond recipients’ control. Proper planning is key to avoiding this outcome.
4. Do I Need Faculty Recommendations?
No, Boren does not require letters from academic professors or instructors. However, it is recommended to have strong letters from recommenders familiar with your character, skills, and potential in areas like research, leadership abilities, or relevant experience that reinforce your fitness for the program.
5. What If I Have Additional Questions?
Applicants are encouraged to check the Boren website for extensive FAQs and to contact a Boren Scholarship program officer directly with any other specific inquiries not addressed above. Program staff aim to respond helpfully to assist serious candidates through the application and award process.
The Boren Scholarship program presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring scholars dedicated to less commonly taught languages and building skills vital to our nation. By thoroughly researching program requirements, developing top-notch application materials, and learning from past recipients’ successes, any motivated candidate can craft a competitive submission for this prestigious award. With strategic guidance provided here, applicants now have the resources to make an informed determination to pursue this challenge and represent our country’s interests abroad.