Congressmen Gonzalez and Cuellar Announce Over $88K for UTRGV

WASHINGTON - Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar today announced that the U.S. Department of Education's Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program has awarded $88,160 to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018.

Grants from UISFL help Institutions of Higher Education or nonprofit organizations, like UTRGV, plan, develop, and carry out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages.

"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, even more 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 preprofessional 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.