Number: RL31625
Title: Foreign Language and International Studies: Federal Aid Under Title VI of the Higher Education Act
Authors: Jeffrey J. Kuenzi, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Title VI of the Higher Education Act (HEA, P.L. 89-329, as amended) - International Education Programs - authorizes a variety of grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) and related institutions for the purpose of enhancing instruction in foreign language and area studies (FLAS). This is one of the oldest, continuous programs of federal support to higher education, having been initiated as Title VI of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 (NDEA, P.L. 85-864). It played a historical role of helping to establish, along with non-governmental support from certain foundations, multi-disciplinary "area studies" departments in many colleges and universities, especially during the late 1950s and 1960s. Throughout its life, the program has also supported courses and programs in less commonly taught languages or world regions.1 The long history of this program reflects the special priority placed by the federal government on FLAS, especially with respect to diplomacy, national security, and trade competitiveness. Interest in HEA Title VI and other federal programs supporting FLAS has increased recently as a result of concerns regarding terrorism arising from foreign regions which are infrequently included in American postsecondary curricula, and a related interest in greater expertise in those areas. As with the rest of the HEA, Title VI may be considered for reauthorization by the 110th Congress. This report provides an overview of Title VI programs, and an analysis of reauthorization issues.
Pages: 16
Date: January 9, 2008