Answers to FAQs regarding the Forum on National Security are outlined below. Can't find an answer to your question? Check out our general FAQ, organized by topic.
What is the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security (NYLF/NS): Exploring American Diplomacy, Intelligence and Defense?
The National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security introduces outstanding students, through its interactive format, to careers in national security, intelligence, defense and the diplomatic corps. Since 1992, this six-day program has enabled America’s brightest students to explore and directly participate in these career fields as well as take part in personally escorted visits to some of the most sensitive national security and diplomatic sites and facilities in the nation’s capital.
Who is eligible to participate in the Forum?
Students who will be 10th, 11th or 12th grade at the time of attendance are eligible to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security.
Is there a GPA requirement?
All scholars who attend must have achieved a B+ average or above and have an interest in the fields of national security, defense or diplomacy.
Who are the speakers?
The success of the Forum on National Security depends greatly on the strong relationships the National Youth Leadership Forum has built with highly respected, internationally recognized civilian policy makers and senior military officers. Through these trained and experienced individuals, students are provided rich insights into current issues and strategies taken to rise to the pinnacle of their profession. Students participate in thought-provoking question and answer sessions with these distinguished individuals. Some past speakers include: Colonel Barney Barnum, USMC (Ret); General Peter Pace, USMC, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary of State; George Tenet, Director of Central Intelligence; Paula J. Dobriansky, Under Secretary for Global Affairs, Department of State; General Peter Schoomaker, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army; Maureen Baginski, Executive Assistant Director of Intelligence, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Jami A. Miscik, Deputy Director for Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency; Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senate.
What institutions participate?
The government's leading academic institutions also open their doors to National Security students, where they are educated in diplomacy, international affairs and military strategy. Institutions that have participated in the past include: Andrews Air Force Base, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Department of State, the Embassy of Turkey, the Foreign Service Institute, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Naval Academy and the Marine Corps Combat Development Command at Quantico.
What is the curriculum?
During current issue seminars, students engage in small group discussions and debates with experienced professionals from a variety of areas. One evening is devoted to specialties such as the Middle East, special operations, artificial intelligence, peacekeeping and diplomacy. A second evening provides exposure to different careers within the national security and government service fields through panel discussions. Following the panels, there is a career fair with representatives from federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and area universities.
One activity central to the Forum on National Security is the reality-based national security strategy exercise simulation, which extends throughout the entire week of the Forum. Students directly participate in the national security strategy simulation assuming roles as key international relations operatives. Drawing on the week’s experiences and teamwork, students employ a crisis decision-making process similar to that employed by the nation's top policy makers. The simulation provides students with an opportunity to use critical thinking, leadership and public speaking skills to tackle the complexity of national decision-making.
How many sessions will there be? What are the dates?
Check the left-hand navigation bar for current session information.
How many students will be in each session?
There are approximately 350-400 students per session.
What does tuition cover?
Tuition covers hotel accommodations, breakfast and dinner, private motor coach transportation during the forum (students are responsible for their own travel to and from Washington, D.C. as well as a shuttle fee from the airport to the hotel), instruction, program materials, supervisory personnel and all activities throughout the six-day program. Students will need money only for lunches and any incidentals they wish to purchase.
What is the ratio of staff members to students?
1-to-17.
What kind of spending money will scholars need at the Forum?
NYLF recommends scholars bring approximately $8 to $10 a day for lunch, souvenirs or other incidentals.
Who are the faculty advisors?
All faculty advisors are college graduates with experience working with high-achieving students. The Forum on National Security values diversity among its staff. Many faculty advisors will have explicit experience with facilitating high-level experiential curriculum and many will have a strong background in the area of defense, intelligence and/or diplomacy. We also provide extensive pre-program training for our staff and perform five-year background checks on all faculty advisors.
Where will students stay?
Students attending a Fall 2009 session will stay at the Tysons Westpark Hotel, located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Students attending a Spring 2010 session will stay at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center.
What if my scholar loses something, or forgets to bring a personal item home after the forum?
All lost and found items are retained by staff for 2 weeks following the forum session. Items of higher monetary value are retained for 30 days after the forum session concludes. After 30 days, all items remaining are discarded or donated. We strongly recommend following the advice provided in the suggested packing list, which includes placing your scholar’s name on all personal belongings that he or she will be bringing to the forum.
Is there a charge for the shuttle service from the airport?
There is a one time $40.00 fee for roundtrip shuttle service. No refunds are given to participants who only utilize the shuttle one way, and they are therefore encouraged to utilize the shuttle to get from and back to the airport(s). Students should not make travel arrangements until they have been officially notified of their enrollment by NYLF. Details about the airport shuttle service will be sent along with your notification of enrollment in the Forum.
