VCU Critical Language Scholarship Semifinalists 2026
Three VCU students and alumni have advanced to the final round of selection in the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) summer study abroad program competition. These candidates will be notified of their final status in March.
The Critical Language Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State for the study of nine languages deemed critical to the United States’ diplomatic and national security interests. Recipients will spend the summer abroad intensively studying their target language.
VCU’s three CLS semifinalists are are listed below with their name and language study:
- Riya Bajpai, a member of the Honors College who will graduate in 2028 with a bachelor’s in psychology and a bachelor’s in mathematical sciences from the College of Humanities and Sciences, applied to study Mandarin.
- Savannah Morris, who will graduate in May 2026 with a bachelor’s in political science from the College of Humanities and Sciences, applied to study Korean.
- Valerie Shcherbavok, who graduated in 2025 with a bachelor’s in health, physical education and exercise science (HPEX) from the College of Humanities and Sciences, applied to study Portuguese.
VCU’s National Scholarship Office (NSO) assists students and recent alumni with the application process for the Critical Language Scholarship and other esteemed awards. To learn more about external funding opportunities, schedule an appointment with a member of the NSO staff.
Categories Critical Language Scholarship