St. Louis Language Immersion School Alumnus, Kirkwood Native Earns Fulbright Position
St. Louis, Mo. (July 23, 2026) Kirkwood native Adam Bernabo credits St. Louis Language Immersion School for creating his natural curiosity for language learning and a drive to do well academically. Bernabo was part of SLLIS’ inaugural class before he went on to graduate from Kirkwood High School and then the University of Southern California. Now, Bernabo will soon be departing for Taiwan as a Fulbright Scholar, where he will teach English for a year.
The Fulbright Program is one of the premier and most competitive academic and professional advancement programs in the United States, encouraging students to find solutions to complex global issues and create connections across the world.
When he was in first grade, Bernabo enrolled in the French dual language immersion program at SLLIS and continued to build on his French skills through middle and high school. When he arrived at USC, Bernabo developed an interest in Japanese language and culture, leading to a study abroad experience in Tokyo. During the end of his time at USC, Bernabo studied Mandarin, further emphasizing the impact SLLIS had on him throughout his education.
“My experience at SLLIS was very defining for me and shaped my path forward,” Bernabo said. “SLLIS really encourages you to be a global citizen and emboldens you to take part in the world at large. SLLIS developed my curiosity for language learning, and it stayed with me as I got older. I really believe in the mission of SLLIS, and I would encourage any parent in St. Louis to send their child there. There aren’t many places where you can get an immersive dual language education in a public charter school.”
Upon graduating from USC, Bernabo went on to work at Latham & Watkins, a Global Law Firm that advises the businesses and institutions that power the global economy. Bernabo’s long-term goal is to practice law internationally, but he is keeping his options open as he goes into his Fulbright experience as a teacher.
“One of the things I did at USC was teach English,” Bernabo said. “I gained a real passion for teaching, and when I learned about the Fulbright position in Taiwan, it was truly a great intersection of my passions. I got selected for the position, which I’m very excited for and humbled by. I’ll be teaching English and improving my Mandarin skills while in this outstanding, federally funded program, which is great.”
From starting at St. Louis Language Immersion School to becoming a professional on the international stage, Bernabo’s story highlights what St. Louis natives can accomplish with their resources right here at home.
About St. Louis Language Immersion School
St. Louis Language Immersion School was founded in 2009 and is a charter school serving Pre-K through 8th grade to the City of St. Louis. The school provides students with a world-class, global, dual language immersion education in French, Spanish or Chinese, taught by native speakers. The one of a kind school was named the 2024 Best Public Charter School in Missouri and plays an essential role in the fabric of the St. Louis community. For more information, go to www.sllis.org.