UW Student Receives Critical Language Scholarship Award

University of Wyoming senior Carson Krueger, of Laramie, is a recent recipient of the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship (CLS). This competitive award provides a full grant for American college and university students to learn critical languages during an overseas, immersive summer opportunity.

Critical languages are lesser-taught languages essential to America's engagement in global affairs, specifically regarding national security, economics and diplomatic interest. The CLS program allows recipients to spend eight to 10 weeks immersed in one of nine critical languages at an intensive study abroad institute.

Approximately 315 students nationwide were selected for the 2026 CLS Program. Awardees were selected from more than 4,500 applicants and represent 165 U.S. higher education institutions. Finalists come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. UW has had 27 CLS recipients since 2007.

Krueger will study Arabic at the Arab American Language Institute in Meknes, Morocco, this summer. Krueger chose Morocco because it will enhance his ability to communicate across Arabic-speaking countries and jumpstart his future diplomatic career.

"Participating in the Critical Language Scholarship is an incredibly meaningful step in my journey studying Arabic and engaging with the Middle East," Krueger says. "The program pushes students not only to develop language skills quickly, but also to build genuine cultural understanding and connections with the communities around them. Studying Arabic in this immersive environment deepens my appreciation for the region and strengthens my commitment to pursuing a career focused on international engagement and development. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to continue learning from the people, culture and language that first inspired my academic path."

Krueger is learning Arabic and has completed six semesters of college Arabic language study, including an internship. He participates in the national award-winning UW Model Arab League and serves as lieutenant general of the Rocky Mountain Regional Model Arab League.

Krueger is double majoring in economics and international studies, with a Middle East/North Africa concentration. He also is minoring in honors.

"We are incredibly proud of Carson for working diligently on his application and earning this honor," says Dianne Thompson, who serves as a CLS adviser for UW. "It is great to see students from Wyoming building global competencies and engaging with the world."

All UW CLS recipients are supported by the UW Global Engagement Office and the Education Abroad Office. Thompson and Shelley Jewell serve as CLS advisers for UW.

For more information about this program, visit clscholarship.org or email [email protected]. The deadline to apply for summer 2027 is in early November.