Preparing for service beyond borders

A University of Delaware senior has been awarded a 2026 Boren Awards fellowship to study abroad in Panama.

James Mansfield, of Jersey City, New Jersey, will spend the next year in Panama City studying Spanish through immersive coursework and daily life. A cognitive science major with a minor in military science, Mansfield is also a member of the University's Army ROTC program.

The Boren Fellowship, funded by the National Security Education Program, supports U.S. students studying less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. interests. Recipients commit to working in the federal government after graduation, contributing language skills and cultural expertise to national security efforts.

"It is an amazing opportunity to be able to live and study abroad," Mansfield said. "Becoming fluent in a second language is very valuable, and I am excited to apply Spanish to my professional career in the future."