20 USC 1126 - Technological innovation and cooperation for foreign information access

Collapse to view only § 1126. Technological innovation and cooperation for foreign information access

§ 1121. Findings; purposes; consultation; survey
§ 1122. Graduate and undergraduate language and area centers and programs
§ 1123. Language resource centers
§ 1124. Undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs
§ 1125. Research; studies; annual report
§ 1126. Technological innovation and cooperation for foreign information access
§ 1127. Selection of certain grant recipients
§ 1128. Equitable distribution of certain funds
§ 1128a. American overseas research centers
§ 1128b. Authorization of appropriations

§ 1121. Findings; purposes; consultation; survey

(a) FindingsCongress finds as follows:

(1) The security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States in a complex global era depend upon American experts in and citizens knowledgeable about world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs, as well as upon a strong research base in these areas.

(2) Advances in communications technology and the growth of regional and global problems make knowledge of other countries and the ability to communicate in other languages more essential to the promotion of mutual understanding and cooperation among nations and their peoples.

(3) Dramatic changes in the world’s geopolitical and economic landscapes are creating needs for American expertise and knowledge about a greater diversity of less commonly taught foreign languages and nations of the world.

(4) Systematic efforts are necessary to enhance the capacity of institutions of higher education in the United States for—

(A) producing graduates with international and foreign language expertise and knowledge; and

(B) research regarding such expertise and knowledge.

(5) Cooperative efforts among the Federal Government, institutions of higher education, and the private sector are necessary to promote the generation and dissemination of information about world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs throughout education, government, business, civic, and nonprofit sectors in the United States.

(b) PurposesThe purposes of this part are—

(1)

(A) to support centers, programs, and fellowships in institutions of higher education in the United States for producing increased numbers of trained personnel and research in foreign languages, area studies, and other international studies;

(B) to develop a pool of international experts to meet national needs;

(C) to develop and validate specialized materials and techniques for foreign language acquisition and fluency, emphasizing (but not limited to) the less commonly taught languages;

(D) to promote access to research and training overseas, including through linkages with overseas institutions; and

(E) to advance the internationalization of a variety of disciplines throughout undergraduate and graduate education;

(2) to support cooperative efforts promoting access to and the dissemination of international and foreign language knowledge, teaching materials, and research, throughout education, government, business, civic, and nonprofit sectors in the United States, through the use of advanced technologies; and

(3) to coordinate the programs of the Federal Government in the areas of foreign language, area studies, and other international studies, including professional international affairs education and research.

(1) In general

(2) Considering recommendations; providing informationThe Secretary—

(A) may take into account the recommendations described in paragraph (1); and

(B) shall—

(i) provide information collected under paragraph (1) when requesting applications for funding under this subchapter; and

(ii) make available to applicants a list of areas identified as areas of national need.

(d) Survey

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 601, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1774; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title VI, § 601, Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3333.)

§ 1122. Graduate and undergraduate language and area centers and programs

(a) National language and area centers and programs authorized

(1) Centers and programs

(A) In generalThe Secretary is authorized to make grants to institutions of higher education or consortia of such institutions for the purpose of establishing, strengthening, and operating—

(i) comprehensive foreign language and area or international studies centers and programs; and

(ii) a diverse network of undergraduate foreign language and area or international studies centers and programs.

(B) National resourcesThe centers and programs referred to in paragraph (1) shall be national resources for—

(i) teaching of any modern foreign language;

(ii) instruction in fields needed to provide full understanding of areas, regions, or countries in which such language is commonly used;

(iii) research and training in international studies, and the international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; and

(iv) instruction and research on issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries.

(2) Authorized activitiesAny such grant may be used to pay all or part of the cost of establishing or operating a center or program, including the cost of—

(A) teaching and research materials;

(B) curriculum planning and development;

(C) establishing and maintaining linkages with overseas institutions of higher education and other organizations that may contribute to the teaching and research of the center or program;

(D) bringing visiting scholars and faculty to the center to teach or to conduct research;

(E) professional development of the center’s faculty and staff;

(F) projects conducted in cooperation with other centers addressing themes of world regional, cross-regional, international, or global importance;

(G) summer institutes in the United States or abroad designed to provide language and area training in the center’s field or topic;

(H) support for faculty, staff, and student travel in foreign areas, regions, or countries, and for the development and support of educational programs abroad for students;

(I) supporting instructors of the less commonly taught languages; and

(J) projects that support students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to achieve foreign language proficiency.

(3) Grants to maintain library collections

(4) Outreach grants and summer institutesThe Secretary may make additional grants to centers described in paragraph (1) for any one or more of the following purposes:

(A) Programs of linkage or outreach between foreign language, area studies, or other international fields, and professional schools and colleges.

(B) Programs of linkage or outreach with 2- and 4-year colleges and universities.

(i) postsecondary programs or departments in foreign language, area studies, or other international fields; and

(ii) State educational agencies or local educational agencies.

(D) Partnerships or programs of linkage and outreach with departments or agencies of Federal and State governments, including Federal or State scholarship programs for students in related areas.

(E) Programs of linkage or outreach with the news media, business, professional, or trade associations.

(F) Summer institutes in area studies, foreign language, and other international fields designed to carry out the programs described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (D), and (E).

(b) Fellowships for foreign language and area or international studies

(1) In general

(2) Eligible studentsA student receiving a stipend described in paragraph (1) shall be engaged—

(A) in an instructional program with stated performance goals for functional foreign language use or in a program developing such performance goals, in combination with area studies, international studies, or the international aspects of a professional studies program; and

(B)

(i) in the case of an undergraduate student, in the intermediate or advanced study of a less commonly taught language; or

(ii) in the case of a graduate student, in graduate study in connection with a program described in subparagraph (A), including—(I) predissertation level study;(II) preparation for dissertation research;(III) dissertation research abroad; or(IV) dissertation writing.

(d) Allowances

(1) Graduate level recipients

(2) Undergraduate level recipientsA stipend awarded to an undergraduate level recipient may include an allowance for educational programs in the United States or educational programs abroad that—

(A) are closely linked to the overall goals of the recipient’s course of study; and

(B) have the purpose of promoting foreign language fluency and knowledge of foreign cultures.

(e) ApplicationEach institution of higher education or consortium of such institutions desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. Each such application shall include—

(1) an explanation of how the activities funded by the grant will reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs; and

(2) a description of how the applicant will encourage government service in areas of national need, as identified by the Secretary, as well as in areas of need in the education, business, and nonprofit sectors.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 602, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1775; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title VI, § 602, Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3334.)

§ 1123. Language resource centers

(a) Language resource centers authorized

(b) Authorized activitiesThe activities carried out by the centers described in subsection (a)—

(1) shall include effective dissemination efforts, whenever appropriate; and

(2) may include—

(A) the conduct and dissemination of research on new and improved teaching methods, including the use of advanced educational technology;

(B) the development and dissemination of new teaching materials reflecting the use of such research in effective teaching strategies;

(C) the development, application, and dissemination of performance testing appropriate to an educational setting for use as a standard and comparable measurement of skill levels in all languages;

(D) the training of teachers in the administration and interpretation of performance tests, the use of effective teaching strategies, and the use of new technologies;

(E) a significant focus on the teaching and learning needs of the less commonly taught languages, including an assessment of the strategic needs of the United States, the determination of ways to meet those needs nationally, and the publication and dissemination of instructional materials in the less commonly taught languages;

(F) the development and dissemination of materials designed to serve as a resource for foreign language teachers at the elementary and secondary school levels; and

(G) the operation of intensive summer language institutes to train advanced foreign language students, to provide professional development, and to improve language instruction through preservice and inservice language training for teachers.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 603, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1777; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title VI, §§ 603, 610(a), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3336, 3338.)

§ 1124. Undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs

(a) Incentives for creation of new programs and strengthening of existing programs in undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs

(1) Authority

(2) Use of fundsGrants made under this section may be used for the Federal share of the cost of projects and activities which are an integral part of such a program, such as—

(A) planning for the development and expansion of undergraduate programs in international studies and foreign languages;

(B) teaching, research, curriculum development, faculty training in the United States or abroad, and other related activities, including—

(i) the expansion of library and teaching resources; and

(ii) pre-service teacher training and in-service teacher professional development;

(D) programs under which foreign teachers and scholars may visit institutions as visiting faculty;

(E) programs designed to develop or enhance linkages between 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education, or baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate programs or institutions;

(F) the development of undergraduate educational programs—

(i) in locations abroad where such opportunities are not otherwise available or that serve students for whom such opportunities are not otherwise available; and

(ii) that provide courses that are closely related to on-campus foreign language and international curricula;

(G) the integration of new and continuing education abroad opportunities for undergraduate students into curricula of specific degree programs;

(H) the development of model programs to enrich or enhance the effectiveness of educational programs abroad, including predeparture and postreturn programs, and the integration of educational programs abroad into the curriculum of the home institution;

(I) the provision of grants for educational programs abroad that—

(i) are closely linked to the program’s overall goals; and

(ii) have the purpose of promoting foreign language fluency and knowledge of world regions;

(J) the development of programs designed to integrate professional and technical education with foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields;

(K) the establishment of linkages overseas with institutions of higher education and organizations that contribute to the educational programs assisted under this subsection;

(L) the conduct of summer institutes in foreign area, foreign language, and other international fields to provide faculty and curriculum development, including the integration of professional and technical education with foreign area and other international studies, and to provide foreign area and other international knowledge or skills to government personnel or private sector professionals in international activities;

(M) the development of partnerships between—

(i) institutions of higher education; and

(ii) the private sector, government, or elementary and secondary education institutions,

in order to enhance international knowledge and skills; and

(N) the use of innovative technology to increase access to international education programs.

(3) Non-Federal shareThe non-Federal share of the cost of the programs assisted under this subsection—

(A) may be provided in cash from the private sector corporations or foundations in an amount equal to one-third of the total cost of the programs assisted under this section; or

(B) may be provided as an in-cash or in-kind contribution from institutional and noninstitutional funds, including State and private sector corporation or foundation contributions, equal to one-half of the total cost of the programs assisted under this section.

(4) Special ruleThe Secretary may waive or reduce the required non-Federal share for institutions that—

(A) are eligible to receive assistance under part A or B of subchapter III or under subchapter V; and

(B) have submitted a grant application under this section that demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction.

(5) Priority

(6) Grant conditions

(7) ApplicationEach application for assistance under this subsection shall include—

(A) evidence that the applicant has conducted extensive planning prior to submitting the application;

(B) an assurance that the faculty and administrators of all relevant departments and programs served by the applicant are involved in ongoing collaboration with regard to achieving the stated objectives of the application;

(C) an assurance that students at the applicant institutions, as appropriate, will have equal access to, and derive benefits from, the program assisted under this subsection;

(D) an assurance that each applicant, consortium, or partnership will use the Federal assistance provided under this subsection to supplement and not supplant non-Federal funds the institution expends for programs to improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages;

(E) a description of how the applicant will provide information to students regarding federally funded scholarship programs in related areas;

(F) an explanation of how the activities funded by the grant will reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs, where applicable; and

(G) a description of how the applicant will encourage service in areas of national need, as identified by the Secretary.

(8) Evaluation

(b) Programs of national significance

(1) In general

(2) Grantees

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 604, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1778; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title VI, §§ 604, 610(a), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3336, 3338; Pub. L. 111–39, title VI, § 601(a)(1), July 1, 2009, 123 Stat. 1953.)

§ 1125. Research; studies; annual report

(a) Authorized activities

The Secretary may, directly or through grants or contracts, conduct research and studies that contribute to achieving the purposes of this part. Such research and studies may include—

(1) studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or improved instruction in foreign language, area studies, or other international fields, including the demand for foreign language, area, and other international specialists in government, education, and the private sector;

(2) studies and surveys to assess the utilization of graduates of programs supported under this subchapter by governmental, educational, and private sector organizations and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of programs so supported;

(3) evaluation of the extent to which programs assisted under this subchapter that address national needs would not otherwise be offered;

(4) comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education;

(5) research on more effective methods of providing instruction and achieving competency in foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields;

(6) the development and publication of specialized materials for use in foreign language, area studies, and other international fields, or for training foreign language, area, and other international specialists;

(7) studies and surveys of the uses of technology in foreign language, area studies, and international studies programs;

(8) studies and evaluations of effective practices in the dissemination of international information, materials, research, teaching strategies, and testing techniques throughout the education community, including elementary and secondary schools;

(9) the application of performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use;

(10) evaluation of the extent to which programs assisted under this subchapter reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs, as described in the grantee’s application;

(11) the systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that contribute to achieving the purposes of this part; and

(12) support for programs or activities to make data collected, analyzed, or disseminated under this section publicly available and easy to understand.

(b) Annual report

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 605, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1780; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title VI, § 605, Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3337.)

§ 1126. Technological innovation and cooperation for foreign information access

(a) Authority

(1) In general

(2) Grant recipientsThe Secretary may award grants under this section to carry out the activities authorized under this section to the following:

(A) An institution of higher education.

(B) A public or nonprofit private library.

(i) Another institution of higher education.

(ii) A library.

(iii) A nonprofit educational organization.

(b) Authorized activitiesGrants under this section may be used—

(1) to acquire, facilitate access to, or preserve foreign information resources in print or electronic forms;

(2) to develop new means of immediate, full-text document delivery for information and scholarship from abroad;

(3) to develop new means of or standards for shared electronic access to international data;

(4) to support collaborative projects of indexing, cataloging, and other means of bibliographic access for scholars to important research materials published or distributed outside the United States;

(5) to develop methods for the wide dissemination of resources written in non-Roman language alphabets;

(6) to assist teachers of less commonly taught languages in acquiring, via electronic and other means, materials suitable for classroom use;

(7) to promote collaborative technology based projects in foreign languages, area studies, and international studies among grant recipients under this subchapter;

(8) to establish linkages to facilitate carrying out the activities described in this subsection between—

(A) the institutions of higher education, libraries, and partnerships receiving grants under this section; and

(B) institutions of higher education, nonprofit educational organizations, and libraries overseas; and

(9) to carry out other activities that the Secretary determines are consistent with the purpose of the grants awarded under this section.

(d) Match required

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 606, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1781; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title VI, § 606, Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3337.)

§ 1127. Selection of certain grant recipients

(a) Competitive grants

The Secretary shall award grants under section 1122 of this title competitively on the basis of criteria that separately, but not less rigorously, evaluates—

(1) the applications for comprehensive foreign language and area or international studies centers and programs; and

(2) the applications for undergraduate foreign language and area or international studies centers and programs.

(b) Selection criteria

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 607, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1782; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title VI, § 607, Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3338.)

§ 1128. Equitable distribution of certain funds

(a) Selection criteria

(b) Equitable distribution

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 608, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1782.)

§ 1128a. American overseas research centers

(a) Centers authorized

(b) Use of grants

Grants made and contracts entered into pursuant to this section may be used to pay all or a portion of the cost of establishing or operating a center or program, including—

(1) the cost of faculty and staff stipends and salaries;

(2) the cost of faculty, staff, and student travel;

(3) the cost of the operation and maintenance of overseas facilities;

(4) the cost of teaching and research materials;

(5) the cost of acquisition, maintenance, and preservation of library collections;

(6) the cost of bringing visiting scholars and faculty to a center to teach or to conduct research;

(7) the cost of organizing and managing conferences; and

(8) the cost of publication and dissemination of material for the scholarly and general public.

The Secretary shall only award grants to and enter into contracts with centers under this section that—

(1) receive more than 50 percent of their funding from public or private United States sources;

(2) have a permanent presence in the country in which the center is located; and

(3) are organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26 which are exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such title.

(d) Development grants

(e) Application

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 609, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1782; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title VI, § 608, Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3338.)

§ 1128b. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VI, § 610, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VI, § 601, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1783; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title VI, § 609, Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3338.)