This information collection (OMB 1840-0807) includes application instructions and forms for the National Resource Centers (NRC) Program (CFDA Number 84.015A) and the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships Program (CFDA Number 84.015B), authorized under Title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Section 1122). The type of collection is an extension of a previously-approved information collection (application).
The NRC Program provides grants to institutions of higher education (IHE) or consortia of IHEs to establish, strengthen, and operate comprehensive and undergraduate foreign language and area or international studies centers. These centers serve as centers of excellence for world language training and teaching, research, and instruction in fields needed to provide full understanding of areas, regions, or countries where the languages are commonly used.
The FLAS Fellowship Program awards allocations of fellowships, through institutions of higher education, to meritorious students enrolled in programs that offer performance-based instruction in world languages in combination with area studies, international studies, or the international aspects of professional studies.
Together, these programs respond to the ongoing national need for individuals with expertise and competence in world languages and area or international studies; advance national security by developing a pipeline of highly proficient linguists and experts in critical world regions; and contribute to developing a globally competent workforce able to engage with a multilingual/multicultural clientele at home and abroad.
Approval of this collection is necessary in order to conduct fiscal year (FY) 2022 program competitions.
US Code:
20 USC 1122
Name of Law: Title VI, Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.