NSEA

The National Security Education Act (NSEA) is a United States federal law enacted in 1990 to promote education and research in international security and global affairs. The legislation was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush and aimed to strengthen American competitiveness in these fields by expanding opportunities for students and scholars. The NSEA established the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, which remains one of its most prominent initiatives, offering fully funded summer language institutes for American students to study critical languages abroad.

The NSEA was designed to address concerns about the decline in U.S. expertise in international security and foreign languages, particularly those deemed essential for national security. It authorized funding for fellowships, grants, and academic programs at institutions of higher education, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to global studies. The law also supported the development of curriculum materials and faculty training in international security and area studies.

Over the years, the NSEA has been amended and reauthorized to adapt to evolving national security priorities. It has played a key role in fostering partnerships between universities, government agencies, and international organizations. While the original act focused on language and security studies, its influence has extended to broader efforts in diplomacy, defense, and economic policy. The NSEA remains a cornerstone of U.S. efforts to cultivate a well-informed and skilled workforce capable of addressing global challenges.