The Colorado Congress for Language Teachers
Elementary Essay and Video Contest
Theme: Reclaim, Revive, Reconnect: Language Beyond Borders
Imagine a world where people can easily understand and talk to each other no matter where they are from. In this world, there are no language barriers, and everyone can share their thoughts and ideas with anyone. Write an essay about what you think this world would be like. How would it change the way people learn, make friends, and solve problems? Use examples from your own life or stories you’ve heard to explain your ideas.
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Submissions are due by 11:59 pm, on January 15, 2025. Student work should be in the target language.
Theme: Reclaim, Revive, Reconnect: Language Beyond Borders
Imagine you're a language explorer! You've just discovered a secret portal that can take you to any place in the world. Where would you go? What language would you speak there? What new things would you learn?
Video Challenge: Create a short video about your adventure. Show us what you'd do, what you'd see, and what you'd learn. Don't forget to use the language you've been studying!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
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Create a dialogue: Talk to a friend or family member in your target language.
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Sing a song: Show off your singing skills in a foreign language.
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Tell a story: Share a fun or interesting story in your target language.
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Teach us something new: Share a fun fact or interesting tidbit about the culture of the place you're visiting.
Remember: The most important thing is to have fun and be creative! Show us your unique perspective on language learning and cultural exploration.
Submissions are due by 11:59 pm, on January 15, 2025. The student work should be in the target language.
The winner for each category is invited to attend the Spring Conference Awards lunch with their instructor to receive a certificate and cash prize of $25 (for the Essay) or $50 (for the video).
Signed release forms should be included with video submissions at the time of the submission.
Middle School Essay and Video Contest
Middle School Essay Prompt: Language Without Borders
In our increasingly interconnected world, language plays a crucial role in bridging cultures and fostering understanding. Imagine you are a student ambassador for a global program that encourages people from different countries to communicate and collaborate through their languages.
Write an essay discussing the following:
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The Importance of Learning Multiple Languages: Explain how learning different languages can help individuals connect with people from various cultures and contribute to a more inclusive global community.
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Personal Experiences with Language: Reflect on any personal experiences you or someone you know has had with learning a new language. How did this experience impact your understanding of other cultures?
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Challenges and Rewards: Discuss the challenges and rewards of learning and using multiple languages. How can overcoming language barriers enhance personal growth and global cooperation?
Be sure to include specific examples and explain how language can act as a bridge between different cultures and people.
Submissions are due by 11:59 pm, on January 15, 2025. Student work should be in the target language.
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Middle School Video Prompt: “Languages Without Borders” Video Contest! We’re excited to see your creativity as you explore the power of language in connecting people around the world. For this contest, create a short video (1–2 minutes) that answers the following question: “How can learning and speaking different languages help people from different countries understand each other better and work together?” In your video, you might want to include: Examples of how languages have helped people in real-life situations or famous stories. Your own experiences learning a new language or communicating with friends from other cultures. Creative ideas on how languages can break down barriers and build friendships.
The winner for each category is invited to attend the Spring Conference Awards lunch with their instructor to receive a certificate and cash prize of $25 (for the Essay) or $50 (for the video).
Signed release forms should be included with video submissions at the time of the submission.
Outstanding High School Senior
The Outstanding High School Senior of the Year Award recognizes the exceptional achievement of one Colorado high school senior who plans to incorporate the study and use of a world language as a major component of their university and/or professional goals.
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Winning categories:
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1st prize - $200 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language teacher of their choice;
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2nd prize - $100 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language teacher of their choice;
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Honorable mention - Certificate.
Criteria:
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Applicants must have a minimum of 3.75 grade point average in world language classes (based on a 4.0 system).
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Applicants must have studied at least one world language other than English for at least 3 consecutive years; heritage language courses count.
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Students must also have an overall grade point average of 3.5 (based on a 4.0 point system).
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Students must have made outstanding contributions to world language activities in their school and/or their community.
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Students must be interested in pursuing a career that will feature the use of world language as a primary characteristic of their post-secondary plans.
The following documents are required in order for an applicant to be considered:
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A copy of official transcripts, noting the student’s overall grade point average, as well as their grade point average within world language specifically.
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A statement of purpose, not to exceed 600 words, in which the student describes in specific terms their involvement in world language classes, world language activities in their school and community, and their plans to utilize a world language after high school.
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A letter of reference from one high school world language teacher that describes the student and their investment in world language.
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A letter of reference from another teacher, a school administrator, an employer, a school counselor, a coach, a mentor, and/or a community member that describes the student and their investment in world language.
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The following documentation may be submitted as means of fortifying or highlighting the items from an applicant’s dossier:
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Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test scores;
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University or college course registration in world language courses, be it either current, past, or present;
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University or college transcripts featuring world language courses, be they either current, past, or present;
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An employment or internship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifications;
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A scholarship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifying factors;
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Other documents that highlight the applicant’s talent in or dedication to the study of world language.
Applicant Dossiers will be measured using this rubric. Application and supporting documents are due January 15, 2025.
Outstanding University Senior
The Outstanding University Senior of the Year Award recognizes the exceptional achievement of one Colorado university or college senior who plans to incorporate the study and use of a world language as a major component of their post-university and/or professional goals.
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Winning categories:
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1st prize - $200 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language professor or instructor of their choice;
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2nd prize - $100 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language professor or instructor of their choice;
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Honorable mention - certificate.
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Criteria:
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Applicants must have a minimum of 3.75 grade point average in world language classes (based on a 4.0 system).
-
Applicants must have studied at least one world language other than English for at least 3 consecutive years; heritage language courses count.
-
Students must also have an overall grade point average of 3.5 (based on a 4.0 point system).
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Students must have made outstanding contributions to world language activities both within and away from their university community.
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Students must have specific intentions to pursue a career that will feature the use of world language as a primary characteristic of their post-secondary plans.
The following documents are required in order for an applicant to be considered:
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A copy of official transcripts, noting the student’s overall grade point average, as well as their grade point average within world language specifically.
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A statement of purpose, not to exceed 600 words, in which the student describes in specific terms their involvement in world language classes, world language activities within their local and campus and communities, and their plans to utilize a world language after university.
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A letter of reference from one university world language instructor that describes the student and their investment in world language.
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A letter of reference from another instructor or professor, an employer, a coach, a mentor, and/or a campus or local community member that describes the student and their investment in world language.
The following documentation may be submitted as means of fortifying or highlighting the items from an applicant’s dossier:
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An employment or internship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifications;
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A scholarship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifying factors;
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ACTFL OPI Test scores;
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ACTFL Proficiency Placement Test scores;
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DELE, DELF, DALF, or other language proficiency test scores;
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Proof of post-graduation enrollment in a graduate degree program from an accredited university that features the study or use of world language among its primary characteristics;
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Proof of application to a graduate degree program from an accredited university that features the study or use of world language among its primary characteristics;
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Proof of application for employment or an internship that features world language use as among its primary qualifications;
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Proof of membership of a local, regional, or national organization dedicated to the promotion of the study of other languages and cultures;
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Other documents that highlight the applicant’s talent in or dedication to the study and promotion of world language.
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Applicant Dossiers will be measured using this rubric. Application and supporting documents are due January 15, 2025.
Pre-Service Teacher PRAXIS Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship is available for any undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate-level student pursuing a K-12 Licensure in a world language within the state of Colorado.
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Applicants should submit:
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a curriculum vitae;
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proof that they are enrolled full-time in a teacher education program within the state of Colorado;
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proof that they have a declared major or degree program in a world language with K-12 licensure;
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proof, via official transcript, of an overall 3.0 GPA or higher;
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proof that they are registered for the PRAXIS test in a world language at any point during 20242025;
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one letter of support from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic work and potential within the domain of world language;
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a personal statement, not to exceed 300 words, describing their contributions to and plans for world language education after university.
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Applicant Dossiers will be measured using this rubric. Application and Supporting documents are due January 15, 2025