FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Whelchel
703.894.2900 ext. 124
ACTFL and its Lead with Languages campaign are pleased to announce the selection of ten 2022 awardees of the Lead with Languages Teacher Scholarship Program.
Entering its fourth year, this program provides merit-based funding to graduating high school seniors committed to pursuing the language teaching profession in languages other than English. Scholars receive an annual award of $1,500 per academic year, renewable to a cumulative total of $6,000 per recipient.
New this year, ACTFL has also expanded access to complimentary membership for all Scholars both during their undergraduate participation in the program as well as for one year upon graduation and entry into the teaching field, with a goal to further support those in the teacher pipeline by providing additional resources and opportunities for mentoring and networking as they complete their studies and join the profession.
Hailing from nine states and listing six languages among those they aspire to teach, the 2022 Lead with Languages Teacher Scholars were selected from a pool of applications which were carefully reviewed by a volunteer committee of dedicated language educators.
When asked about their motivations to teach, recipients noted the importance of language educators in their own lives, as well as desires to share and celebrate their heritage and leave an impact on future generations.
One Scholar explained:
"Because of the talented teachers who supported me, I have been inspired to pursue a career in education. [...] Teaching enables me to be a life-long learner and to shape the future change-makers of the world. I understand that entering the field of education is not without its challenges, but being an educator is a rewarding career that will fulfill me, and my commitment to learning languages is vital to who I am.”
As our country continues to face the challenge of a language educator shortage in nearly every state, ACTFL continues to prioritize efforts to recruit, retain, and support a diverse, well-trained, and passionate teacher workforce.
For those wishing to support future awardees of this scholarship program, more information is available on the Lead with Languages site.
About Lead with Languages
Created in 2017, Lead with Languages is a national, multi-year campaign powered by ACTFL, aimed at reversing the nation’s language skills gap and making language learning a national priority. The campaign seeks to build awareness across the U.S. about the growing importance of language skills to a wide array of careers—and to our nation’s economy, national security and international standing—with the ultimate goal of supporting a new generation of Americans competent in other languages and cultures and equipped to compete and succeed in a global economy.