Photo courtesy of Paradise Valley Community College
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) student Lia Williams has been awarded a spot in the U.S. Department of State’s highly competitive Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program. Williams, a philosophy major, is one of only 500 students selected from over 5,000 applicants nationwide to participate in this immersive experience.
The CLS Program, a key initiative of the U.S. government, aims to enhance American proficiency in critical foreign languages and equip students with essential linguistic and cultural skills for U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. Scholars like Williams will spend eight to 10 weeks in Japan, engaging in intensive language instruction and cultural enrichment activities.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to study Japanese overseas,” Williams says. “When I applied, I never thought I would be chosen. I am excited to take what I learn abroad back to America and become a better president for the Japanese Culture Club and improve my language abilities.”
The CLS Program partners with universities and nonprofits worldwide, providing students with the unique chance to study in environments where the target language is commonly spoken. Through this immersive experience, Williams will advance her Japanese language skills and gain a deep understanding of Japanese culture.
“Lia’s selection for the CLS Program is a testament to her dedication and academic excellence,” says Mike Ho, PVCC’s student life and leadership manager. “Her achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also showcases our college’s commitment to fostering academic and cultural growth among its students.”
The CLS Program is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and transformative impact on participants. It focuses on critical languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and more, preparing students to apply their language skills in their future careers, contributing to global diplomacy and international relations.
The 2024 CLS cohort includes a diverse group of students from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Representing over 200 institutions of higher education, the group encompasses public and private universities, community colleges, liberal arts colleges, military academies, and minority-serving institutions. This diversity enriches the learning experience, allowing students to exchange ideas and perspectives with peers from various backgrounds.
For more information, visit clscholarship.org.
