The David L. Boren Scholarships, also known as the Boren Awards, are a prestigious scholarship program offered by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) in the United States. These scholarships aim to provide funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages, including African languages such as those spoken in Cameroon, and to gain critical skills and knowledge in regions critical to U.S. national security.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the David L. Boren Scholarships:

Here are some typical eligibility requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Boren Scholarships are open to U.S. citizens only. Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship at the time of application.
• Undergraduate Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate students in a U.S. college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Typically, applicants should have at least one semester remaining before completing their undergraduate degree at the time of applying for the scholarship.
• Academic Field: Boren Scholarships emphasize areas of study that are relevant to U.S. national security. While there are no specific major requirements, applicants should demonstrate how their proposed course of study abroad aligns with U.S. national security interests, which may include languages, cultures, and regions critical to national security.
• Study Abroad Plan: Applicants must have a well-defined study abroad plan that includes language study and coursework in a country or region that is relevant to their academic and career goals. The study program should be a minimum of one semester (or two quarters) in length.
• Government Service Commitment: Boren Scholars commit to work in the federal government in a position with national security responsibilities for a period of at least one year. Applicants should articulate their commitment to pursuing a career in the federal government and explain how their study abroad experience will contribute to their future government service.

What is the total award for the David L. Boren Scholarships:

The funding provided by the Boren Scholarships:

1. Study Expenses: Boren Scholarships can provide funding to cover various study abroad expenses, including tuition, travel costs, accommodation, living expenses, and language study programs. The scholarship aims to ensure that students have the financial means to pursue their academic and language learning goals.
2. Scholarship Amounts: The scholarship amounts can range from a minimum of $8,000 for a summer program to a maximum of $25,000 for an academic year program. The specific award amounts for each selected applicant are determined by the Boren Scholarships selection committee.
3. Program Duration: The scholarship amount is typically prorated based on the duration of the study abroad program. For example, if you are awarded a scholarship for a semester-long program, the amount awarded may be lower than that for a year-long program.
4. Additional Funding Opportunities: Boren Scholars may have access to additional funding sources such as language study stipends, summer STEM initiatives, and other specialized programs. These opportunities are designed to further support and enhance the language and cultural learning experience of the scholars.

How do you apply for the David L. Boren Scholarships:

Here are the typical steps involved in applying for the David L. Boren Scholarships:

1. Review Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements for the Boren Scholarships, including U.S. citizenship, undergraduate enrollment, and alignment with U.S. national security interests.
2. Research Study Abroad Programs: Identify study abroad programs and locations that align with your academic and career goals, with an emphasis on less commonly taught languages and regions critical to national security. Consider factors such as language study, coursework, and cultural immersion.
3. Prepare Application Materials: Gather all the necessary documents and information required for the application. This may include personal information, transcripts, letters of recommendation, study abroad program details, a study plan, a language self-assessment, and essays addressing specific prompts.
4. Complete the Online Application: Visit the official Boren Scholarships website and create an account to access the online application portal. Fill out the application form thoroughly, ensuring that all sections are completed accurately.
5. Submit Application and Supporting Documents: Upload the required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any additional supporting materials specified by the scholarship program. Make sure to submit the application by the specified deadline.
6. Review and Selection Process: After the application deadline, a selection committee will review the applications. The committee evaluates each application based on criteria such as academic merit, language study plans, relevance to national security, and the potential for a career in the federal government.
7. Interview (if applicable): Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process. This interview helps the committee gain further insights into the applicant’s motivations, goals, and suitability for the scholarship.
8. Award Notification: Selected applicants will be notified of their scholarship status. If awarded, they will receive information about the scholarship amount and further instructions regarding acceptance and program requirements.

The Annual and Renewable Options For This Scholarship

The deadline for the David L. Boren Scholarships can vary from year to year. It is important to refer to the official Boren Scholarships website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application deadline. The application deadline is typically in the early months of the year, often falling in January or February.

Other available scholarships to look at are Fully-funded Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship for International Students, Japan 2023 or 30% Tuition Coverage – Economic Studies Scholarships – Moldova 2024.

All applicants should consult the contact webpage that is in the contact section of this page if a question has not been answered. Beforehand check the university’s FAQs page to see if anything can be answered right away.

All students should check with the university website about any delays or changes to the open submission window or deadline time frame. This is the best way to see if anything needs to be reviewed or changed before submitting their application. Anyone can sign up to receive a university website newsletter to stay updated on the latest information.

Any student unsure about the rules and guidelines meant to be followed by the recipient should consult the website link provided. Anyone looking for more information that is not found on the website should contact the email address.

We also suggest that all applicants read through the information guideline page that is available through the original scholarship link. This way, the individual can navigate the website correctly and identify the real scholarship online application. So far there has been no mention of any delays for this opportunity or any cancellations.