National Security Education Program: Background and Issues

Publication Date: January 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Education

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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: (a) David L. Boren Scholarships for undergraduate students to study in "critical" foreign countries; (b) 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 (c) David L. Boren Fellowships to graduate students for education abroad or in the U.S. 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. Distinctive elements of the NSEP, compared to most other federal programs of aid to international education or exchange, include the service requirement for aid recipients, administration by the Department of Defense (rather than the Departments of Education or State), and support for international travel by American undergraduate students. The recent establishment of the NSEP pilot program, the National Flagship Language Initiative, distinguishes it even further from Title VI programs. The NSEP is administered by the Department of Defense's National Defense University, under the guidance of a Presidentially appointed National Security Education Board.

Several bills passed in the 107th and 108th Congressional sessions that would have altered the NSEP's funding and administration. In addition, the intelligence reform bill (P.L. 108-458) signed by the President on December 17, 2004, amends Title X of the National Security Act to create a new Intelligence Community Scholarship Program (ICSP) that is quite similar to the NSEP (§1042). This report provides background information on the NSEP and an analysis of related issues including the ICSP. It will be updated in response to major legislative developments.