Dedicated to addressing a critical national shortage by bolstering the pipeline of future language educators, this award provides merit-based scholarships to graduating high school seniors, current undergraduate or graduate students, at either a 2-year or 4-year institution who are committed to pursuing the language teaching profession.

Supporting Future Language Educators

Launched in 2019, the Future Teacher Scholarship Program provides high school seniors and undergraduate recipients with an award of $1,500 per academic year. Scholarships may be renewed up to three times following the initial award, for a cumulative total of $6,000 per recipient.

Starting in 2026, graduate students pursuing certification in language teaching are also eligible to apply. Graduate students enrolled in a Master’s degree program leading to certification, or in another graduate certification program will be awarded $500 for two academic years or completion of the program, whichever comes first.

Teacher Scholars also receive complimentary ACTFL membership—which includes access to the ACTFL Mentoring Program aimed at early-career language educators—during their participation in the program as well as for one year following graduation and entry into the teaching field.

Due to the urgent shortage currently in this field, deferrals will not be permitted and awardees who intend to renew their scholarships must do so in consecutive years.