STARTALK is a government initiative to increase the number of Americans learning critical need languages.  The STARTALK program pays tuition for high school students to learn Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, or Persian in HCC’s World Languages Program during the summer months.  Program dates for 2011 are June 20-July 29, Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  (some Fridays may be added, if necessary)

Students may apply to take CHNS-101: Elementary Mandarin Chinese I, CHNS-102:  Elementary Mandarin Chinese II, ARAB-101: Elementary Arabic I, HIND-101: Elementary Hindi I, or PERS-101:  Elementary Persian.

One of STARTALK’s benefits is that there is no cost other than the $50.00 application fee and $30 enrichment fee.  (Fees may be waived for students with demonstrated financial need.) Successful STARTALK students receive four college credits from HCC and are prepared to enter the next level of language instruction during the fall semester. The admissions process is selective.

The STARTALK application deadline is April 4, 2011.

For additional information you may:

• Visit the STARTALK program page or
• Attend the information session on Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m., Transfer Center (located inside the Office of Admissions and Advising)
• Call Cheryl Berman, World Language Professor, at 443-518-4861 or
• Contact the Office of Admissions & Advising (hsinfo@howardcc.edu; 443-518-4599)