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    In-person Programme

    Intelligence & National Security

    by National Student Leadership Conference

    A hands-on pre-college programme where students investigate global threats, practise intelligence analysis and respond to simulated national security crises.

    Last verified: 4 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Intelligence & National Security

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    National Security Programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Past

    Eligibility

    High school students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Georgetown University, Washington, DC

    Cost

    $4,295

    Duration

    9 days

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced

    See similar programmes
    Politics

    Accommodation: Supervised campus dormitory

    Meals: On-campus meals included

    Residential availability: Residential required

    Campus experience: Simulations, speakers and field trips

    College credit: Optional 1-credit AU course

    National Security Programme summary

    Students take on the role of intelligence analysts, assessing threats and making decisions in realistic national security simulations.

    Activities include a multi-day National Security Council crisis, Presidential Daily Briefs, threat assessments, leadership workshops and visits to security and government sites.

    It suits students curious about intelligence, government, diplomacy, cybersecurity or public service who prefer collaborative, scenario-based learning.

    What is Intelligence & National Security?

    The Intelligence & National Security programme is an experiential pre-college course run by the National Student Leadership Conference. Students explore how intelligence professionals use information, technology and diplomacy to anticipate risks and protect national interests.

    The academic experience centres on workshops, collaborative discussions and simulations involving espionage, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and crisis response. Students also hear professional perspectives and visit organisations and landmarks connected with government and national security.

    Why Succeed highlights National Security Programme

    • The multi-day National Security Council simulation gives students a sustained decision-making exercise rather than a single classroom case study.

    • Presidential Daily Brief activities develop concise analysis under realistic time constraints.

    • Threat-assessment exercises require students to judge credibility and coordinate responses across simulated departments.

    • Guest speakers and Washington, DC visits connect classroom concepts with professional institutions and career routes.

    • A dedicated leadership curriculum adds communication, listening, resilience and empathy to the subject learning.

    Who is National Security Programme for?

    Best for

    Students interested in intelligence, diplomacy, cybersecurity, government or crisis management who enjoy collaborative simulations and fast-paced decision-making.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost academic course, prefer independent study or are uncomfortable with compulsory residential campus living.

    Is National Security Programme worth it?

    The programme can be worthwhile for students who want to test a national security interest through sustained simulations, professional perspectives and visits that would be difficult to reproduce at school. The combination of analytical exercises and leadership development offers useful material for later reflection on subject and career choices.

    The main limitation is value for money: the fee is substantial, and attendance alone will not transform a university application. Students should choose it for the learning experience and be prepared to explain what they analysed, questioned and learned afterward.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $4,295; includes Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Programme trips, tours and activities, Transportation to off-campus programme events.

    Accommodation

    Supervised campus dormitory

    Meals

    On-campus meals included

    Provider details

    Review the National Student Leadership Conference provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    9 days; Georgetown University, Washington, DC.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does National Security Programme need?

    Effort level

    High-intensity residential experience.

    Best started

    Begin planning two to three months before a future session, allowing time for enrollment, funding and travel arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Analysing incomplete information and reaching decisions collaboratively under pressure.

    Typical preparation

    • Read reputable reporting on one current international security issue and identify the actors, evidence and uncertainties.

    • Practise turning a longer article into a short briefing with clear priorities and recommendations.

    • Review travel, dietary and residential information in the student profile once accepted.

    Useful if

    You already follow international affairs, government or cybersecurity news.

    What do students do on National Security Programme?

    Students work through intelligence and national security scenarios while developing analysis, communication and leadership skills. Classroom simulations are reinforced by guest speakers and visits around Washington, DC.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Assess global risks and incoming threat information.

    2. 2

      Learn the roles and structures of intelligence and national security agencies.

    3. 3

      Join a multi-day National Security Council crisis simulation.

    4. 4

      Select critical intelligence for a Presidential Daily Brief.

    5. 5

      Coordinate with simulated departments and recommend a response.

    6. 6

      Take part in leadership workshops on communication, resilience and empathy.

    7. 7

      Hear from guest speakers with national security experience.

    8. 8

      Visit government, intelligence and cultural sites around Washington, DC.

    National Security Programme dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Accepted while programme or waitlist space remained.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 14-18

    • At least one high-school year completed

    • Attendance allowed through summer after graduation

    • Academic excellence and leadership ability encouraged

    • Online enrollment and deposit required

    How much does National Security Programme cost?

    Residential tuition

    $4,295 — Published Summer 2026 fee.

    Funding or discounts

    • Summer scholarship: Usually $500-$1,000 — Need-based; enrollment and deposit required first.
    • College credit option: $1,044 — Optional separate one-credit American University course.
    • Payment plan: Monthly payments — Final payment due 30 days before the session.

    What's included

    Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Programme trips, tours and activities, Transportation to off-campus programme events

    How to apply to National Security Programme

    1. 1

      Open the official NSLC online enrollment portal.

    2. 2

      Create or retrieve an NSLC ID and enter the student's birth date, gender and current grade.

    3. 3

      Select Intelligence & National Security and an available Georgetown University session.

    4. 4

      Complete the online enrollment application.

    5. 5

      Pay the required deposit by credit or debit card, or contact NSLC about paying by check.

    6. 6

      Use the student account to review availability, payments, travel details and any waitlist status.

    What does National Security Programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Intelligence analysis

    Assess information, identify priorities and turn evidence into recommendations.

    Crisis decision-making

    Respond to an evolving national crisis through a multi-day council simulation.

    Threat assessment

    Evaluate threat credibility and decide which actions should be taken.

    Security institutions

    Examine the missions, jurisdictions and structures of national security agencies.

    Leadership communication

    Practise communication, listening, resilience and empathy in collaborative settings.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    Who teaches on National Security Programme?

    Programme learning is supported by guest speakers from varied national security backgrounds who bring practical knowledge and real-world experience. Previously featured speakers have included senior figures from intelligence, defence and the armed forces.

    Past speakers illustrate the programme's professional reach but are not guaranteed for future sessions.

    Where do students stay on National Security Programme?

    Residential plan

    • Campus dormitory: Students live in supervised Georgetown University accommodation.
    • Meals: On-campus meals are provided through campus dining services.
    • Overnight supervision: Resident Advisors live on student floors, with administrative staff on site.
    • Dormitory security: The dormitory front desk is monitored 24 hours a day.
    • Campus activities: The experience includes activities, tours and university campus life.

    Residential students are housed with one or two roommates on a floor with students in their age range.

    What happens after National Security Programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the experience to test interest in intelligence or national security careers.

    Develop examples of analytical decision-making for later applications and interviews.

    Build communication, leadership and collaborative problem-solving skills.

    Explore related study in international relations, politics, cybersecurity or law.

    Add an optional one-credit American University course during the same summer.

    The college-credit option is separate, online and subject to additional tuition.

    Where does National Security Programme take place?

    The programme is based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, giving students a residential campus experience near major government and national security institutions. Possible visits include the Defense Intelligence Agency, FBI, Diplomatic Security Services, Capitol Hill, Smithsonian museums and Arlington National Cemetery.

    Trips and tours are listed as possible inclusions and may vary by session.

    National Security Programme FAQs

    You will explore how intelligence professionals assess risks, analyse information and coordinate responses to threats. Topics include espionage, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and the structure of national security agencies.

    Activities include a multi-day National Security Council crisis, Presidential Daily Brief exercises and collaborative threat assessments.

    Students live in supervised campus dormitories at Georgetown University. Residential floors group students by age range, and rooms are shared with one or two roommates.

    Tuition includes housing, on-campus meals, course materials, academic expenses, trips, tours, activities and transport to off-campus programme events.

    Possible visits include the Defense Intelligence Agency, FBI, Diplomatic Security Services, Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, Smithsonian museums and historic Georgetown.

    Campus dining services can accommodate dietary allergies and restrictions. Students should complete their dietary preferences in the student profile before arrival.

    No. Eligible high-school students can separately enroll in a one-credit American University online course associated with their programme, but it has an additional fee.

    Team Advisors accompany smaller activity groups and also serve as Resident Advisors on student floors. Administrative staff live on site, and the dormitory front desk is monitored around the clock.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, programme quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • NSEC GU by NSLC - Flipsnack
    • NSLC Online Enrollment
    • Get College Credit Hours & Gain College Preparation Experience | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Top Georgetown Summer Programs: Unlock Your Potential
    • Youth Leadership Programs | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Frequently Asked Questions | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Summer Program Scholarships | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Understanding Intelligence and National Security in Today's World

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 4 Aug 2026)

    • Programme format checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Tuition verified

    • Session dates checked

    • Accommodation reviewed

    • Funding terms checked

    • College credit separated

    • Next cycle flagged

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.