The English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS) Program is a partnership among the National Security Education Program, the Center for Applied Linguistics, Georgetown University’s English Language Center, and the Institute of International Education.

Institutional Partners

The National Security Education Program (NSEP), which is administered by the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO) within the U.S. Department of Defense, provides funding for the program. NSEP has worked since 1994 to help English-speaking U.S. citizens develop high-level proficiency in less commonly taught languages and cultures, and since 2006 to help naturalized citizens with fluency in critical languages to develop professional proficiency in English.

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) administers the EHLS program, directs the application and admission process, and conducts the formal language testing. CAL is a private nonprofit organization with over 60 years of experience in research, assessment, professional development, and technical assistance related to the instruction of learners from diverse language and cultural backgrounds.

Georgetown University’s English Language Center (ELC) provides all instruction for the program, which takes place on the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies’ (SCS) capitol campus. ELC is a unit in SCS and is dedicated to delivering well-designed English language and teacher training programs to participants from the U.S. and around the world.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) manages the EHLS application and admissions process and disburses stipends to scholars. IIE is an international education and training organization that fosters mutual understanding, develops global leaders, and protects academic freedom worldwide through educational exchange and training programs.

Program Staff and Faculty

Program Staff at DLNSEO

EHLS Director: Dr. Kevin Gormley

Program Staff at CAL

EHLS Director: Dr. Kate Moran

Project Manager: Mathilda Reckford

Program Staff at IIE

Assistant Director of Programs: Hilary Robertson Collado

Program Specialist: Meredith Schumacher

Program Manager: Leah Azhdam

Program Staff and Faculty at Georgetown

Director of Programs and EHLS Director: Dr. Suzanne Matula

Program Manager and Recruitment Director: TBD

Academic Coordinator: TBD

Faculty: Svetlana Radojcic, Allen Stewart, Tim Teigen, Tasha Troy, Dr. Christine Wilson