Outreach

Mississippi StarTalk 7 funded for 2013!

What is Start Talk?

Mississippi StarTalk is a program funded by the Federal government to provide high school students with intensive instruction in Chinese on the Ole Miss campus in Oxford during the Second Summer Session (June 27- July 28). In addition to studying Chinese inside and outside of the classroom, students will participate in a cultural program introducing them to China, its people, and its culture. Students will receive StarTalk scholarships that cover the cost of their instruction and books, and provide them with housing and meals on the Ole Miss campus. All students who complete the program will receive college credit in Mandarin Chinese. Additionally, students will also be eligible to continue their study of Chinese during the 2013-14 academic year through a special course of study offered to them by the StarTalk Program.

• Who Can Apply?

Current high school sophomores and juniors with outstanding academic records may apply to the StarTalk Program. Up to twenty-five students will be selected to participate in the program upon consideration of their academic record, letters of recommendation, and personal essay. All students selected are encouraged to continue their study of Chinese during the 2013-14 academic year, either in a special course of study offered to them by The University of Mississippi or in their school’s Chinese program, if one is offered.

What are the Benefits?

China is emerging as an economy whose size and productivity is propelling it to new global prominence in the fields of business, diplomacy, economics, politics, and science. The United States currently has too few speakers to meet our nation’s need for purposes of national security and economic competitiveness. Students who have become highly proficient speakers of Chinese during their high school and college careers will find themselves with unlimited career opportunities when they finish their education over the coming decade. Mississippi StarTalk is a chance to begin the study of Chinese under ideal circumstances and with opportunities to continue during the coming year and into college. The University of Mississippi has one of the premier undergraduate Chinese language programs in the country and it receives special Federal funding to send students to study in China.

When?

Students who are nominated by a teacher must submit the completed application form, essay, transcript, letters of recommendation, and parental permission form by April 30 (postmark deadline).