The Boren Award, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provides unique scholarship opportunities for a small group of U.S. undergraduate students to study in world regions critical to U.S. interests. These regions are typically underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Boren Scholars are highly motivated individuals who wish to work in the federal national security arena, and in exchange for funding, commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.

       Rebecca will receive a $20,000 scholarship to study a less commonly taught critical language, and she has chosen to head to Kyrgyzstan to study the Russian and Kyrgyz languages and cultures. The year-long program in which she will participate is run by SRAS (School of Russian and Asian Studies), a US based non-profit dedicated to education and educational opportunities offered by Russia and Eurasia. Their Kyrgyz program is based in the capital city of Bishkek, a former caravan rest stop on the Silk Road.  This Asian city with a decidedly Soviet flair is located near the beautiful Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountain range, an extension of the Tian Shen range. Rebecca’s year abroad will definitely prove to be a series of adventures and challenges, but she assures us she’s up to the task!

      Congratulations to Rebecca!