; (2) it is vital that the stories of the men and women who fought in Operation Overlord are not forgotten, allowing our youth to remember some of the greatest acts of heroism recorded in human history; and (3) the United States hopes to maintain strong ties with the Government of France and ensure the lessons learned from Operation Overlord are not forgotten. 4. Operation Overlord academic study abroad program (a) In general The Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Government of France, may establish in the Department of State a 2-week academic study abroad program (referred to in this section as the study abroad program ), during either the month of July or August, in Normandy, France, for eligible individuals to learn about the historical relationship between the United States and France by— (1) attending a secondary school or post-secondary school in France for the duration of the study abroad program with academic course work emphasizing— (A) the history, constitution, and political development of France; and (B) the relationship between the United States and France during World War II, focusing on the military operation known as Operation Overlord; and (2) visiting historical sites. (b) Eligibility (1) In general To be eligible to participate in this study abroad program, an individual shall— (A) be a citizen of the United States between 16 to 18 years of age; (B) be a freshman, sophomore, or junior at the time such individual submits an application for participation in the study abroad program; (C) have an overall grade point average of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale at the time of the submission of the application; (D) provide at least 1 letter of recommendation from a secondary school teacher who knows the individual; (E) agree to participate in the presentation under subsection (f); (F) either be enrolled in, or have completed, at least one college preparatory history course