Thayer J. Grimes, a sophomore at The City College of New York, has been awarded the Critical Language Scholarship from the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, according to an April 6 announcement.
The scholarship will allow Grimes to travel to New Taipei City, Taiwan this summer for an eight-week program studying intermediate Chinese at Tamkang University. The award is part of a competitive national initiative aimed at increasing American proficiency in languages deemed important for national security and economic prosperity.
Grimes is majoring in political science at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. He participates as a fellow in the Colin Powell Fellowship for Leadership and Public Service, which he describes as a “truly transformational program.” In addition to his academic pursuits, Grimes is active in the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) on campus and is also an Honors student.
“After graduation, I’m hoping to continue with community organizing, possibly working on electoral campaigns, like how we’re currently doing with the YDSA on campus,” said Grimes.
The Critical Language Scholarship Program provides intensive overseas language instruction combined with structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to help students achieve rapid language gains. It plays an important role in preparing students for careers in a globalized workforce by expanding their linguistic skills and cultural understanding.
CLS is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with support from American Councils for International Education.
