National Security Studies Summer Institute

At FIU’s National Security Studies Summer Institute (N3SI), students have the unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of national security, engage current and former intelligence professionals, and experience—via interactive crisis simulations—the careers that keep America safe!

The 21st century global security landscape is the replete with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. New emerging threats ranging from a myriad of non-state actors, to resurgent malign state actors, and transnational threats like terrorism, organized crime, climate change and global pandemics are further compounded by the fact that we live in the most technologically sophisticated threat environment ever. This is the inescapable feature of the geopolitical system. Tomorrow’s national security workforce will require unbridled knowledge of the threat environment, strong analytical skills, and creative thinking. Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy believes in equipping our future leaders with the knowledge and critical thinking to address the world’s most pressing security challenges. To that end, the Summer Institute on National Security Studies is directed toward fostering interest in National Security Studies to a new generation of students at the pre-collegiate level.

PROGRAM FORMAT

N3SI is a weeklong virtual program that provides outstanding high school students an insider’s look at potential careers that safeguard the national security and interests of the homeland. Additionally, students will apply lessons learned into a challenging real-world national security crisis simulation. Students will spend their day in a blend of virtual lectures, collaborative activities, and group discussions. Throughout the course of the week, participants will have the opportunity to explore the following subject areas:

  • Security in 21st Century
  • Intelligence Community & National Security Enterprise
  • Intelligence Analysis
  • Intelligence & Emerging Technology
  • Intelligence Failures & Successes

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Meet current and former Intelligence and National Security Professionals
  • Participate in a National Security Council Simulation
  • Learn from leading academic experts
  • Receive mentorship and leadership training

MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP COACHING

Central to N3SI is a mentorship and leadership coaching philosophy designed to help participants develop the critical thinking and leadership skills required to succeed. Interactive and engaging lectures by leading experts and current or former practitioners in the intelligence, defense, and security fields will help participants maximize their strengths and gain insights into possible careers that help protect our country.

Leadership topics tailored to Intelligence and National Security Include:

  • Effective Communication
  • Ethics & Integrity
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Collaboration
  • Networking
  • Conflict Management

Eligibility

The Summer Institute is a limited-selection-based program, open to all High School students in good academic standing.

 

Note: the Photographic/Film Consent & Release Form and Student Personal Statement of 150-300 words addressing how attending the Summer Institute fulfills their educational and career goals or interest in national security must be completed, signed and uploaded during the application process.

Past Summer Institute programs:

2018 click here

2019 click here