Homeland Security Outlook

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) will soon launch the application process to select 40 highly motivated US citizen graduate students (and seniors graduating in the 2009/10 academic year who are applying for graduate school for the following academic year) interested in careers in intelligence. Selectees will study and work with analysts and senior officials during a planned two-week residential seminar, the 2nd Annual National Security Analysis & Intelligence Summer Seminar, NSAISS. The intensive seminar is tentatively planned for July 11-23, 2010 in Washington, DC to address critical national intelligence priorities in US intelligence analysis. NSAISS is to include lectures, field trips to agencies and exploration of intelligence disciplines, methodologies and substantive topics under the direction of Intelligence Community (IC), academia and private sector experts. Participants will receive interim Secret level security clearances for the duration of the seminar. Those interested in pursuing analytic careers will be briefed on opportunities in the IC.

The NSAISS online application is scheduled to be available in January 2010. Since the application window may fall between academic terms for many applicants, it is recommended that students begin to prepare early for the application process by collecting the following required materials:

Current transcripts. If available, grades earned through the end of autumn 2009 would be helpful. Our application will advise applicants at colleges that do not furnish official transcripts to students how to forward copies directly.

Letters of Recommendation. Two letters of recommendation from professors or a university dean are required. At least one must attest that the applicant is currently studying or has completed a BA, MA, PhD or similar degree within the past twelve months.

Standard Form 86 (SF-86). Applicants should start compiling extensive information necessary to complete the Standard Form 86 (SF-86), Questionnaire for National Security Positions, which is on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website, and a continuation sheet if needed here. These links will also be included in the online application form. The SF-86 must be submitted separately in hard copy by mail to an address that will be specified in the online application.

Current Resume. There will also be a short personal statement and other basic data requested in the application.

Notifications: Finalists, alternates, and non-selected applicants will be advised of their status in March 2010 (subject to security clearances). NSAISS participants will receive travel expenses, room and board, course materials and a $500 stipend.

Note: NSAISS is not open to federal government employees, contractors or currently serving uniformed military and/or activated reservists. Students who applied but did not participate in the 2009 Summer NSAISS and who are still eligible are encouraged to re-apply for the 2010 program.

The application process will occur in January 2010. Go to Summer Seminar for updated information.