National Security Education Program: Background and Issues

Abstract

The National Security Education Program (NSEP), authorized by the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 (NSEA, Title VIII of P.L. 102-183), provides aid for international education and foreign language studies by American undergraduate and graduate students, plus grants to institutions of higher education. The statement of purpose for the NSEA emphasizes the needs of federal government agencies, as well as the Nation's postsecondary education institutions, for an increased supply of individuals knowledgeable about the languages and cultures of foreign nations, especially those which are of national security concern and have not traditionally been the focus of American interest and study. Three types of assistance are authorized and currently provided by the NSEA: (1) David L. Boren Scholarships for undergraduate students to study in critical foreign countries; (2) grants to institutions of higher education to establish or operate programs in critical foreign language and area studies areas, including a National Flagship Language Initiative-Pilot Program; and (3) David L. Boren Fellowships to graduate students for education abroad or in the United States in critical foreign languages, disciplines, and area studies. Individuals who receive NSEP fellowships and scholarships are obligated for a limited period of time to seek employment in a national security position with a federal agency. Grant recipients who demonstrate that such positions are not available may fulfill the requirement through work in any federal agency or in the field of higher education in an area of study for which the scholarship or fellowship was awarded. The NSEP is intended to complement, and not duplicate, other federal programs of aid for foreign language and area studies education, such as those authorized under Title VI of the Higher Education Act and the Fulbright-Hays Act. This report provides background information on the NSEP and an analysis of related issues.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 21, 2005
Accession Number
ADA469301

Entities

People

  • Jeffrey J. Kuenzi
  • Wayne C. Riddle

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Congress
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of State
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Foreign Languages
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Language
  • Law
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Security
  • Students
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • STEM Education