📰 WVU Graduates Awarded Critical Language Scholarships for Summer 2025

Three WVU graduates have earned the prestigious U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship in 2025 to study Russian, Japanese, and Swahili abroad.

Three outstanding West Virginia University (WVU) graduates have been awarded the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) for the summer of 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this competitive program promotes intensive language learning and cultural immersion in regions critical to U.S. engagement abroad.

Meet the WVU Scholarship Recipients

Ella Dietz, a graduate in international studies with minors in political science and Russian studies (Eberly College of Arts and Sciences), will take part in an eight-week Russian language immersion program.

Wyatt Gaines, from the College of Creative Arts and Media, has been selected to study Japanese through CLS, offering a rare opportunity to deepen his language proficiency in an immersive setting.

Christelle Temple, also from the College of Creative Arts and Media, will travel abroad to learn Swahili—one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages.

About the Critical Language Scholarship

The Critical Language Scholarship Program is a U.S. government initiative that aims to increase the number of Americans proficient in languages vital to national security and economic interests. Participants receive fully funded instruction in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Russian, Swahili, and Japanese.

Students are placed in immersive environments where they live with host families or on university campuses, attending classes and engaging with local culture every day.

WVU’s Commitment to Global Learning

The university’s ASPIRE Office plays a key role in helping students like Ella, Wyatt, and Christelle prepare successful applications for nationally competitive awards such as the CLS. They provide guidance on writing, interviews, and choosing the right language path for academic and career goals.

WVU’s consistent success—marking 15 years of students earning CLS awards—demonstrates its dedication to fostering globally engaged graduates.

Why It Matters

In an increasingly interconnected world, learning critical languages opens doors to diplomacy, business, and cross-cultural understanding. Programs like CLS empower students with the skills to lead and collaborate on a global scale.

For more information or to apply, visit the official Critical Language Scholarship Program or WVU’s ASPIRE Office.