Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act
Sponsored By: Representative Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Introduced
Summary
Expands and modernizes Title VI programs to build a workforce with global language and professional skills tied to economic and national security needs. It creates new grant streams, broadens eligibility, and requires a national database and public reporting.
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- Students and faculty — Graduate students may count beginning, intermediate, or advanced foreign language study as related to their field for Title VI language centers. The bill also supports fellowships, internships, and curriculum changes to add international and language components for undergraduate and graduate learners.
- Minority-serving institutions and community colleges — A consolidated International Research and Innovation program will fund research and innovation and must maintain a national standardized database plus a 5-Year Report. Research grants carry a Federal share of 66.7% and a non-Federal share of 33.3% with waiver authority for eligible institutions.
- Employers, professional schools, and the workforce — A new Professional and Technical Education program funds interdisciplinary global training across business, STEM, law, health, and other fields and emphasizes public-private partnerships. Those grants are capped at a 50% Federal share with at least a 50% non-Federal match and may be awarded only if Title VI funding for the year exceeds the fiscal year 2027 level.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Authorize multi-year Title VI funding
If enacted, the bill would authorize such sums as may be necessary to carry out Title VI in fiscal year 2027 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years. The bill does not specify dollar amounts in statute. This authorization would enable Congress to provide multi-year funding for Title VI programs if appropriations follow.
More language study for grad students
If enacted, the bill would let graduate students count beginning, intermediate, or advanced foreign language study as related to their area of specialization under Language and Area Centers and Programs rules. This change would make it easier for some graduate students to qualify for program support for language training tied to their field.
New international research program grants
If enacted, the bill would create a national International Research and Innovation program to fund research, studies, and innovation in international and foreign language education. Competitive grants and contracts would go to colleges, public and private nonprofit libraries, and nonprofit education groups. The program would create a national standardized database and require a public 5-Year Report to Congress summarizing findings and national capacity.
Grants for global professional training
If enacted, the bill would create a competitive program to fund college programs that add global skills to professional and technical training. Eligible applicants would be colleges, consortia, or partnerships with private or nonprofit partners, and projects must show sustainability and replicability. The federal share would be no more than 50 percent and a non‑Federal match of at least 50 percent would be required, though the Secretary could waive or reduce the match for qualifying minority‑serving institutions and community colleges. Awards under this section could be made only in fiscal years when total Title VI funding exceeds the total for fiscal year 2027.
Restructure Title VI and definitions
If enacted, the bill would rename and broaden parts of Title VI to emphasize global business and professional education and add "security" to national interests. It would add new definitions, including for community college, heritage student, and minority‑serving institution. The bill would also strike part C, redesignate part D as the new part C, and remove sections 637 and 638, which could eliminate some prior statutory authorities.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
NC • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
NC • D
Sponsored 7/27/2026
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/27/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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