HEA-Title VI and Fulbright Hays are the foundation for international education in the United States, building competencies critical to our national security, economic competitiveness, and global engagement.
With support of Title VI funding, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has trained close to 6,000 Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) fellows, has awarded over 5,000 degrees and certificates through UW NRCs, and teaches up to 40 languages each semester. These activities, which produce new generations of foreign area and strategic language experts, are essential to U.S. security and competitiveness.
With a modest, annual investment of less than $4 million at the UW, the university has created an unrivaled training system that produces linguistically and culturally proficient graduates to meet national needs.
Why are National Resource Centers Critical?
VALUABLE JOB SKILLS ACROSS SECTORS
Individuals trained in languages and international issues fulfill important roles in the military, government, and private sector. UW NRC alumni leverage skills to work internationally or with foreign clients or collaborators. Many alumni obtained their current job because of language skills and regularly use these skills in their work.
- 5,000+ students have received degrees and certificates from Wisconsin National Resource Centers.
SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY
- Title VI funding creates and sustains the language and culture learning architecture on which other programs build to provide the nation with a language-enabled, culturally knowledgeable corps.
- Title VI helps support the Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes (WISLI), which provide instruction in over 30 less commonly taught languages—many of which are considered critical to U.S. national interests.
- With support from Title VI funding, NRCs create opportunities for exchange between individuals representing the campus, state, and nation, developing lasting connections and grounds for future cooperation.
Title VI Centers
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is home to eight prestigious National Resource Centers (NRCs):
- African Studies Program
- Center for East Asian Studies
- Center for European Studies
- Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia
- Center for South Asia
- Center for Southeast Asian Studies
- Institute for Regional and International Studies National Resource Center (IRIS NRC)
- Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program
Featured NRC Activities
Wisconsin High Schoolers Explore Global Languages at UW–Madison
In March, over 450 of high school students from across Wisconsin attended the annual Languages of the World Day. This event was organized by the UW–Madison Language Institute and made possible through the support of several IRIS co-sponsors.
IRIS Supports Libraries and K-12 Schools Across Wisconsin
IRIS directly affects the lives of thousands of K-12 students, educators, and community members across Wisconsin. UW–Madison’s eight National Resource Centers (NRCs), all housed under IRIS, host signature events and outreach activities aimed at connecting local communities and enhancing public education.
Beyond Words: WISLI’s Unique Approach to Language Instruction
Eight weeks: that’s all it takes to ignite your language skills at the Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes (WISLI). WISLI offers a unique approach to language instruction due to its intensive environment that allows students to focus full-time on their language learning.
Celebrating South Asia: A Recap of the 52nd Annual Conference
The 52nd Annual Conference on South Asia, a four-day event held from October 30 to November 2, drew over 1,200 attendees from around the globe. Hosted by the Center for South Asia at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the conference is the world’s largest and most influential gathering of South Asian scholars, students, and professionals.
The Lasting Partnership Between UW–Madison and the College of Menominee Nation
The University of Wisconsin–Madison and the College of Menominee Nation (CMN) have cultivated a lasting partnership rooted in shared values of sustainability, indigenous knowledge, and global engagement. Several regional study centers in IRIS have played a vital role in these joint efforts.
READ AFRICA: Celebrating African literature
The African Studies Program continues to enrich Wisconsin libraries through its exceptional READ AFRICA program, aiming to increase the visibility of African literature and inspire young readers throughout Wisconsin. Through the program, resource libraries in all 15 regions of Wisconsin will receive a curated selection of 10 books.