WKU News

Seven students at The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU) have been offered nationally-competitive National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Scholarships for immersive, critical language study this summer. This marks the 14^th consecutive year for Gatton Academy students to receive NSLI-Y scholarships.

NSLI-Y scholarships from the U.S. Department of State fund students for six to eight weeks of immersive summer study abroad during which participants take intensive critical language courses, live with host families, and visit sites of cultural significance in their host nations.

The Gatton Academy is home to special language tracks that include Mandarin Chinese and Russian called STEM + Global Studies. These programs are carried out in partnership with the WKU Department of Modern Languages. Through these optional curricular tracks, students complete four semesters studying the language and culture of their selected region in addition to the rigorous STEM coursework required of each Gatton Academy student.

This summer’s recipients are below.

Liz Burgan (’24, Daviess County HS) will continue Russian study this summer in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Nolan French (’24, Hancock County HS) will continue Chinese study this summer in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Elizabeth Lanier (’25, Calloway County HS) will continue Russian study this summer in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Elizabeth Parker (’24, Boyle County HS) will continue Russian study this summer in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Jill Patel (’25, Daviess County HS) was accepted to continue studying Russian in Daugavpils, Latvia but will spend her summer at Yale University conducting research through Gatton’s Research Internship Grant program.

Atiana Spivey (’24, Monroe County HS) will continue Chinese study this summer in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

Mabel Vilt (’24, Oldham County HS) will continue Russian study this summer in Bishkek, Kyrgystan.

Additionally, two Gatton Academy alumni have been selected as alternates for the Critical Language Scholarship Program through the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The students will be upgraded to full recipients should additional places become available in their language institutes.

Emma Harris (’22, Hickman County HS) has been designated an alternate for Korean study.

Meghan Pierce (’20, Warren East HS) has been designated an alternate for Arabic study.

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy is a recipient of the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partners