Persian Flagship Program Renewed for 2024–28
June 06, 2024
The University of Maryland offers the only Persian Flagship Program in the United States.
By Lauren Hargrave
The Persian Flagship Program, offered through the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) since 2008, has been renewed for another four-year grant cycle following a national open competition for the grant. The federally-funded program provides students with the opportunity to obtain a professional level of Persian language skills by the time they graduate, as well as a deep understanding of the life and cultures of the Persian-speaking countries of Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
Students from any major can engage in high-level courses in Persian, extracurricular activities and housing in the Persian language cluster in the Language House on campus. Students with a background or heritage in Persian typically complete the program over a shorter period of time.
The University of Maryland hosts the only Persian Flagship program in the United States. Alumni have gone on to work in fields including government and politics, international business and public health.
With funding from the National Security Education Program in the Department of Defense, participating students will receive federal scholarships of up to $20,000 toward intensive summer study and a Capstone immersion academic year. They will also have access to Persian-language internships and research projects.
To apply, students must be full time undergraduate students with leadership and language learning potential, and a minimum average GPA of 3.25.
Nahal Akbari, associate clinical professor and director of the Persian Flagship Program, said she’s eager to expand the “diverse community of talented students who join the program.”
"We are thankful for the support of SLLC, ARHU and UMD leadership in bringing the Persian Flagship to campus for another four years,” she added. “We prepare our students to take on the challenges facing our world today, serve local communities and have a competitive edge for careers with the federal government or the private sector.”
Applications are currently open for Fall 2024.
Photo courtesy of Nahal Akbari.