SCCPSS Student Wins National Scholarship to Study in India


Gretchen Sanders
Gretchen Sanders

Gretchen Sanders, of Savannah Early College, has been awarded one of approximately 625 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarships for 2013-2014. The NSLIY program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students to learn foreign languages in overseas immersion programs. NSLI-Y offers overseas study opportunities in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Turkish.

The scholarship will enable Gretchen to study Hindi in India for the summer and covers all program costs for participants including domestic and international travel; tuition and related academic preparation; language testing; educational and cultural activities focused on language learning; orientations; meals; and accommodations, usually with a host family. Students of the program develop skills necessary to advance international dialogue in the private, academic or government sectors, and build upon the foundations developed through person-to-person relationships while abroad.

Launched as part of a U.S. government initiative in 2006, NSLI-Y seeks to increase Americans’ capacity to engage with native speakers by providing formal instruction and informal language practice in an immersion environment. Educational and cultural activities are designed to promote language learning and build mutual understanding and longlasting relationships.

Through her participation in the program, Gretchen will serve as a citizen diplomat while developing the skills necessary to be a leader in the global community.


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