Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON – Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) today announced that the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) Program has awarded $88,160 to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018.
Grants from UISFL help Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) or nonprofit organizations, like UTRGV, plan, develop, and carry out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages.
“I congratulate the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for their proactive approach in always seeking federal funds that in the end directly impacts its students. International and foreign language programs are highly sought after courses of study, and I am a firm believer that a person who knows two languages is more marketable than a person who only speaks one language,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I would like to thank Representative Gonzalez for working with me to help bring federal dollars to the Rio Grande Valley, improving foreign language and international studies for students in the area.”
“The ability to communicate without barriers can transform and strengthen relationships not just in Texas, but around the world,” Congressman Gonzalez said. “With this funding, UTRGV can empower even more students to go into the world and create meaningful, lasting relationships in education, business, the medical field, and beyond. I thank the U.S. Department of Education for entrusting UTRGV with this funding and will continue to partner with Congressman Cuellar to support educators and students in South Texas.”
Each program supported by federal funds must enhance primarily the international academic program of the institution. Eligible activities may include but are not limited to:
- Development of a global or international studies program that is interdisciplinary in design;
- Development of a program that focuses on issues or topics, such as international business or international health;
- Development of an area studies program and programs in corresponding foreign languages;
- Creation of innovative curricula that combine the teaching of international studies with professional and pre-professional studies, such as engineering;
- Research for and development of specialized teaching materials, including language instruction, i.e., business French;
- Establishment of internship opportunities for faculty and students in domestic and overseas settings; and
- Development of study abroad programs.
For more information on how to apply for future funding, please visit https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsugisf/applicant.html. For congressional assistance in applying, please contact the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar at (956) 424-3942 or the Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez at (956) 682-5545.
Congressmen Cuellar and Gonzalez continue to be advocates for accessible, affordable access to higher education through public institutions like UTRGV.
