National Flagship Language Initiative (NFLI)

The NFLC was awarded three contracts by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) to administer the National Flagship Language Initiative (NFLI). The NFLI provided funding to major U.S. universities to develop institutional and national infrastructure required to produce highly proficient language graduates in those languages identified by NSEP as critical to U.S. national security.

The NFLC provided administrative functions in support of NFLI, specifically:

• Identified U.S. universities that met the following criteria:
1. Heritage language communities in target language populations identified by NSEP
2. Large, internationally oriented professional degree programs
3. Significant advanced language programs already in place
4. Strong study abroad programs already in place
5. Technological sophistication
6. Commitment to international curriculum on the part of senior university administration and faculty
• Identified "Regional Flagship Language" U.S. universities that:
1. Are located in geographic areas under-represented by international programs
2. Possess significant resources to develop and deliver advanced language instruction in critical languages identified by NSEP
3. Possess professional degree and study abroad programs
4. Have demonstrated a commitment to internationalizing curriculum and offering proficiency based language training
• Administer an Request For Proposal (RFP) process and award Pilot Program Planning Grants to qualifying institutions
• Monitor and assess the pilot models to ensure that appropriate plans are developed and submitted to NSEP
• Manage, monitor, disburse, and report on Pilot Program funds

The following institutions participated in the National Flagship Language Initiative:

• University of Mississippi
• Bryn Mawr College
• Brigham Young University
• Emory University
• Ohio State University
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Hawaii
• University of Washington