Atascadero Student Secures Prestigious National Security Scholarship
Ella Robertson heads to Latvia for intensive Russian language and cultural immersion
An aspiring intelligence professional from Atascadero, Ella Robertson, will spend her summer in Latvia, a Baltic nation, immersed in the Russian language and culture through a highly competitive scholarship. The incoming Atascadero High School senior was selected for the 2025 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI‑Y) program, a U.S. Department of State initiative aimed at increasing American proficiency in critical languages.
Fueling a Passion for National Security
Robertson‘s dedication to international affairs ignited during a Model United Nations course, which culminated in a trip to the United Nations headquarters in New York. This experience sparked her involvement with Girl Security, a non-profit organization that supports young women pursuing careers in national security. A mentor from Girl Security encouraged her to apply for the NSLI‑Y program.
Her burgeoning interest in global security and intelligence was further cultivated last summer through a program at Georgetown University focused on national security and intelligence. These formative experiences have solidified Robertson‘s long-term aspiration to work in Human Intelligence (HUMINT) for the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.
Academic Path Aligns with Career Goals
Post-graduation, Robertson plans to attend Biola University. She intends to pursue a double major in psychology and criminology, with a minor in Russian and theology, a multidisciplinary approach designed to support her national security ambitions.
The NSLI‑Y program, established in 2006, aims to build a robust cadre of Americans fluent in languages crucial for national security and economic competitiveness. Participants like Robertson develop essential cross-cultural communication abilities and leadership skills, often shaping their future academic and professional trajectories.
Currently, over 125,000 students in the U.S. are enrolled in less commonly taught languages, a significant increase from previous years, highlighting a growing national focus on linguistic diversity in education. According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), language learning is increasingly recognized as vital for global engagement.
The NSLI‑Y program is overseen by American Councils for International Education, in collaboration with several partner organizations including AFS‑USA and Amideast. More information about the program and application procedures can be found at nsliforyouth.org. Individuals interested in hosting an international exchange student can find details at exchanges.state.gov.
