The NLSC Launches Regional Chapter in Chicago

The National Language Service Corps (NLSC) hosted a Regional Chapter Launch on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the lovely Waldorf Astoria Chicago, inaugurating the Chicago Regional Chapter. Members in attendance represented a variety of languages including Eastern Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, and three dialects of Arabic. There were many highlights for this special event.

Director of the NLSC and Director for Resources for the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO), Holly Brown and Support Program Director of the NLSC, Bill Castan both spoke about the NLSC program, sharing updates and emphasizing the importance of the NLSC’s mission. To provide attendees with insight into the purpose and benefits of the Regional Chapters, Los Angeles Regional Chapter Coordinator Alicia Estrada delivered a presentation as well. Mrs. Estrada discussed her experience as a Chapter Coordinator and highlighted various Regional Chapter activities organized by the individual coordinators representing Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C, Hawaii, and Germany.

Following Mrs. Estrada’s presentations, three Members shared cultural presentations of an Arabic Poem titled “Give me the Flute and Sing,” by Khalil Jibran Khalil, a Korean poem titled “Under the Sun: From the Sun to a Boy” by Choe Nam-Seon, as well as a Moroccan Berber song. 

The Chicago Regional Chapter Launch was a wonderful opportunity for staff and Members to network. Following the event, one Member remarked, “You have put together a first memorable launch and connected linguists of different ethnicities and backgrounds in a relaxed yet very professional atmosphere.” NLSC staff was eager to provide this opportunity for Members to meet and interact, and the NLSC is excited to add Chicago as its newest Regional Chapter. The program is looking forward to continued growth and expansion of its’ chapters in order to provide the best possible Member experience and allow Members to share their languages and cultures with the organization and one another.

NLSC Members Graduate from the English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS) Program

The National Language Service Corps (NLSC) is pleased to announce the graduation of 16 NLSC Members, applicants and prospects from the English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS) Program at Georgetown University on Monday, August 20th 2012. 

NLSC launches first local Chapter in Washington DC

The NLSC launched its first local members’ Chapter in Washington, DC Chapter on Friday, October 14th. The event marked the beginning of the NLSC’s initiative to establish local Chapters throughout the US and overseas in areas where there are high concentrations of US citizens who are foreign language speakers.

Eighty-six attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception followed by words from distinguished speakers. Our keynote speaker was Ms. Dawn Hart (Limited English Proficiency/ Additional Communications Needs Multilingual Content Manager of the Federal Emergency Management Agency) who shared some insights into how FEMA supports Individuals with limited English skills during a disaster.

Other speakers included Dr. Kevin Gormley, Senior Program Officer of the National Security Education Program (now the Defense Language and National Security Education Office - DLNSEO, the NLSC's parent agency), NLSC Members Mr. Wi "Will" Vattananun and Mr. Poowanat "Joe" Tasma, both participants in an assignment in Thailand.

Attendees spoke an array of languages including Arabic, Akan, Dagbani, French, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Konkani, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese.

During the reception, we heard many Members expressed enthusiasm for the NLSC Washington Local Chapter and were interested in receiving further details. They were also excited to network among themselves.

Currently, over 400 members reside in the Washington, DC greater metropolitan area, are available and willing to use their language skills and cultural knowledge in support of federal agencies in this region with foreign language needs.

Washington, DC currently has the largest number of NLSC members in a single geographic area as well as the largest number of government agencies using the NLSC. The NLSC intends to gradually expand chapter organizations into other regions where there are a high number of NLSC members.

Professional development opportunity

The English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS) program is an adult scholarship and professional development opportunity which may be of interest!

EHLS is an intensive, advanced English and professional skills program that prepares nonnative English speakers for careers with the federal government. The program involves 6 months of full-time study at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, followed by two months of part-time study which can be completed remotely. Participants improve their English through study of research and presentation skills, meeting participation and facilitation, and professional writing. The program also provides support for participants who are seeking employment with the federal government.

Full scholarships, a living stipend (during the full-time portion of the program), and a relocation reimbursement are available for qualified applicants. EHLS is currently seeking US citizens who are native speakers of Arabic, Balochi, Dari, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Mandarin Chinese, Pashto, Persian Farsi, Punjabi, Somali, Swahili, Turkish, or Urdu.

Please visit http://www.cal.org/ehls/ for more information and contact ehls@cal.org with any questions.

EHLS and the NLSC are initiatives of the National Security Education Program (now the Defense Language and National Security Education Office, or DLNSEO).