For the purpose of selecting students, scholars, teachers, trainees, and other persons to participate in the programs authorized under section 2452(a)(1) of this title, and of supervising such programs and the programs authorized under section 2452(b)(4) and (6) of this title, there is continued the authority of the President to appoint a board of foreign scholarships which shall be known as the “J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board” (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) consisting of twelve members. In connection with appointments to such Board, due consideration shall be given to the selection of distinguished representatives of cultural, educational, student advisory, and war veterans groups, and representatives of the United States Department of Education, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, public and private nonprofit educational institutions.

In the selection of American citizens for participation in programs under this chapter, preference shall be given to those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, and due consideration shall be given to applicants from all geographical areas of the United States.