The National Security Education Program (NSEP) is a U.S. federal government initiative to enhance U.S. national security and economic competitiveness by increasing “critical-need” foreign language skills, cultural understanding, and regional expertise within the U.S. federal workforce. NSEP oversees eight initiatives designed to support and expand language and cultural skills within the federal workforce.^[1] NSEP Programs provide pathways to careers in federal government, and select programs include a year-long federal service requirement upon completion of academic study.  

NSEP was established by the David L. Boren National Security Education Act in 1991.^[2] Oversight for NSEP is provided by the National Security Education Board (NSEB), which meets "to review and make recommendations based on program mission and objectives.^[1] The NSEB consists of a 14-member board including representatives from eight Cabinet-level departments. Four non-federal members, appointed by the President, also serve on the NSEB. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OSD/P&R) provides policy oversight for NSEP.^[3]

On February 6, 2012, the National Security Education Program became part of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office, which “provides strategic direction, supports policy development, and provides programmatic oversight to Military Departments, Defense Agencies, and the Combatant Commands on present and future requirements related to language, regional expertise, and culture,” including language and culture support for the DoD.^[4]

NSEP oversees eight programs:

• National Security Language Initiative
• Defense Language Office