LEXINGTON, Va., Oct. 14, 2022—The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures at Virginia Military Institute has been awarded a competitive $141 thousand grant called STARTALK for the 2023-2024 academic year. The grant is directly funded by the National Security Agency (NSA) and provides scholarships for six credit hours of Arabic for 15 students.   

According to Maj. Jason W. Schroepfer, assistant professor and Arabic instructor at VMI, proficient Arabic speakers are in high demand for several reasons. “The United States is engaged politically, militarily, and economically in the Middle East and North Africa, and Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world. Any student who chooses to learn Arabic, will have an advantage in acquiring a good paying job,” said Schroepfer.

The program called, “Exploring the Madina” (Arabic word for city) will take complete beginners to the intermediate level of Arabic. Students will gain culture proficiency through guest lectures, performances of authentic Arab music and an immersive experience of a “Mousem” festival. Each student will take an oral proficiency interview with the goal of reaching novice speaking level or better.

The program is open to current high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and college freshman as of the 2022-2023 school year. Applications are currently being accepted and participants will be selected in February. The summer classroom lessons will begin June 26 and run through July 23, 2023, meeting each day for five hours. During the following fall and spring semesters, classes will meet for 60 to 90 minutes per week. Before, during, and at conclusion of the program in May 2024, cultural events will be held. 

For additional information and to apply, visit the program website.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE