The University of South Carolina Upstate is proud to announce it now accepts the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy, a national recognition for high school students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages by the time of their graduation.
With this designation, USC Upstate joins a growing movement of institutions across the country honoring students’ cultural and linguistic knowledge—skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s global workforce.
“This is an exciting milestone for USC Upstate as we continue to provide our students with opportunities that set them apart in the job market and honor their diverse backgrounds,” said Chancellor Bennie Harris. “The Seal of Biliteracy empowers our students and affirms the value of multilingualism in both academic and professional spaces.”
The Seal of Biliteracy has been adopted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In the 2022–23 academic year, more than 158,000 students across the country earned the designation, representing proficiency in 143 languages.
At USC Upstate, entering students who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy will receive a certificate of recognition, and the distinction will be noted on official university documents. To be eligible, students must demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and at least one additional language through nationally recognized assessments or approved coursework.
The program supports USC Upstate’s commitment to student success, workforce readiness and honoring the diverse cultural heritage of its student body. It also aligns with statewide efforts in South Carolina to promote multilingualism and cultural literacy in education.
“USC Upstate is proud to recognize the achievements of students in languages through the Seal of Biliteracy,” said Esther Godfrey, chair of the Division of Languages, Literature, and Composition. “Regional industry leaders have told us they need more multilingual employees. The Seal of Biliteracy can serve as proof of essential communication skills and a head start in further developing language fluency through a minor or major in world languages.”
For more information on the Seal of Biliteracy, visit their website or reach out to Esther Godfrey.