Overview

The National Security Education Program is a major federal initiative designed to build a broader and more qualified pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international skills. NSEP’s Boren Awards program provides U.S. undergraduate and graduate students with resources and encouragement to acquire language skills and experience in countries critical to the future security and stability of the United States. In exchange for funding, Boren Award recipients agree to work in the federal government for a period of at least one year.

Since 1994, over 7,000 students have received Boren Awards and contributed their vital skills to careers in support of the critical missions of agencies throughout the federal government. “To continue to play a leadership role in the world, it is vital that America’s future leaders have a deep understanding of the rest of the world,” says former U.S. Senator David Boren, the principal author of the legislation that created the National Security Education Program and the scholarships and fellowships that bear his name. “As we seek to lead through partnerships, understanding of other cultures and languages is absolutely essential.”

Eligibility

All applicants must be:

• U.S. citizens at the time of the national application deadline
• A high school graduate, or have earned a GED
• At least 18 years of age or older at the time of the national application deadline
• Planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
• Planning to study in a country of which they are not a citizen
• Matriculated for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program in an undergraduate or graduate degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• (For ROTC cadets and midshipmen and members of the military Reserves or National Guard) In inactive, non-drilling status for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program

Selection Criteria

Boren Scholars’ application materials will demonstrate:

• Clear and compelling explanation of the relevance of their country, language, field of study, and overseas study to U.S. national security
• Potential for long-term commitment to government service, and possibly, leadership potential;
• Appropriate academic preparation, cultural adaptability, flexibility, and maturity required to succeed abroad;
• Serious commitment to language study, before, during, and after overseas study.

In addition to these basic criteria, the Boren Awards give preference to programs based on their duration, focus on intensive study of a preferred language in a preferred country, and the applicant’s field of study.

Selection panels will also seek wide geographic and diverse institutional representation among candidates, as well as ethnic and gender diversity and distribution among academic disciplines related to national security interests.

Veterans of the U.S. armed forces have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and have a unique perspective on national security issues. They are encouraged to apply for Boren Awards, and selection preference will be given to veterans when other factors are equivalent.

Program Benefits

Boren Scholarships Maximum Award Amounts:

• 8-11 weeks: $8,000 for a summer program (STEM majors only)
• 12-24 weeks: $12,500
• 25-52 weeks: $25,000

Boren Scholars and Fellows are eligible for exclusive opportunities and preferential consideration for federal government jobs. These include positions in the fields of: Diplomacy, Defense, Cybersecurity, Economic Development, Scientific Research, Intelligence, Medical & Public Health, Legal Professions, Commerce & Financial, Regulation, Agriculture, Energy & Sustainability, Immigration & Border Security.

Check out this list of recent Boren alumni careers!

Email NIF for Canvas resources: early December 2022

Campus Endorsement Deadline: late January 2023

(for 2023-24 grant applicants)

Optional Advising and Endorsement Available

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of National & International Fellowships (NIF) promotes the Boren Awards on campus and provides advising and endorsement services to enrolled undergraduate applicants.

Enrolled undergraduate students may contact Courtney Santos, Director of National & International Fellowships, courtney.santos@unl.edu for access to our Canvas advising course resources and personalized application materials feedback. You can also book a National Fellowships advising appointment through MyPLAN.

Graduate students may request feedback on Boren Awards applications through the Office of Graduate Studies Consultation Services. You can either request a 30-minute Friday morning consultation or submit your materials for a more in-depth review and appointment. If you submit materials, use the form at the bottom of the page and mark “Grant and Proposal Writing”. OGS can also review materials for other fellowships or grants as requested.