The National Foreign Language Center undertook the initial planning phase of a multi-year project entitled "STARTALK," which is one of the projects of the National Security Language Initiative, a multi-agency effort to expand foreign language education in under-taught critical languages by funding new and existing programs throughout students' learning careers, kindergarten through university; and to provide incentives and rewards for foreign language learning and use in the work force. The objective of the planning phase was to develop a strategic plan for STARTALK, and to provide specific implementation and evaluation plans for Summer 2007 programs in Chinese and Arabic for 400 high school students, and professional development opportunities for 400 teachers and/or prospective teachers of these two languages. For information about the Initiative, see the NSLI brochure.

During the summer of 2007, NFLC implemented STARTALK programs in Arabic and Chinese language for high school students and professional development opportunities for prospective and current Arabic and Chinese teachers. STARTALK funded 34 institutions from 22 states and the District of Columbia, including both public and private universities, high schools, and heritage schools. Over 438 teachers and 874 students participated. STARTALK continued in 2008 by funding summer programs for students and teachers in Arabic, Chinese, Urdu, Hindi, and Persian. Student programs projected enrollments of over 2600 students and 1000 teachers for 2008.