linked to a delay in certain manifestations of aging. (9) The United States lags behind most nations of the world, including European nations and China, in the percentage of its citizens who have some knowledge of a second language. (10) Native American languages are distinct in political status and history and should therefore receive targeted support to ensure their retention in alignment with the Native American Languages Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.). 3. World language advancement and readiness grants (a) Program authority The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Education, shall carry out a program under which the Secretary of Defense makes grants, on a competitive basis, to State educational agencies and local educational agencies to pay the Federal share of the cost of innovative model programs providing for the establishment, improvement, or expansion of world language study for elementary school and secondary school students. (b) Duration Each grant under this Act shall be awarded for a period of 3 years. (c) Requirements for State and local educational agencies (1) Grants to State educational agencies In awarding a grant under subsection (a) to a State educational agency, the Secretary of Defense shall support programs that promote systemic approaches to improving world language learning in the State. (2) Grants to local educational agencies In awarding a grant under subsection (a) to a local educational agency, the Secretary of Defense shall support programs that— (A) show the promise of being continued beyond the grant period