Graduate Fellowships

The National Security Education Program administers the David Boren Fellowship to promote research and educational in fields promoting U.S. national security. The program provides undergraduates with the resources and encouragement needed to gain knowledge of and exposure to languages and cultures deemed crucial to U.S. security interests. Recipients, all of whom must be U.S. citizens, are obligated to pursue careers in national security or higher education.

Freshmen and sophomores are eligible to apply for awards covering expenses accrued during intensive summer or academic term programs which foster an awareness of international affairs.

Juniors and seniors may also receive awards to study abroad and to expand their knowledge of foreign language and cultures. Students in almost all major disciplines are encouraged to apply.

New in 2008: The U.S. Congress has recently included a provision that will enable 2008 NSEP award recipients to fulfill the NSEP Service Agreement in a broader range of employment opportunities. This provision allows for an additional option -- to fulfill the service agreement in a “position in the field of education in a discipline related to the study supported by the program.” Please note that this option will be available by petition only, and only to individuals who can demonstrate that they have exhausted all opportunities to gain federal employment. NSEP is working to develop guidelines for implementing this option. These guidelines will be available for all recipients of a 2008 award. Please also note that this provision is listed in the 2008 Defense Authorization Act, which as of mid-January has not yet been signed into law by the President, but is expected to be by early February 2008.

Grants and Fellowships

Boren Fellowship