STARTALK is a federal grant program managed and funded by the National Security Agency. STARTALK grants fund innovative programs with strong language learning outcomes for K-16 students in support of the STARTALK goals. STARTALK grants currently support programs offered in the following critical need languages: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, and Russian.

• Increase the number of students enrolled in the study of critical languages
• Increase the number of highly effective critical language teachers in the U.S.
• Increase the number of highly effective materials and curricula available to teachers and students of critical need languages
• Enhance workforce development in the federal government to meet national security needs through the study of critical languages