Applications are now open for the Alexander Hamilton Institute for the Study of Western Civilization (AHI) Washington Program on National Security (WaPoNS) which will be held June 16 to 29, 2019. Application materials should be sent to either AHI Senior Fellow Dr. Juliana Pilon (juliana.geran.pilon@gmail.com) or AHI Executive Director Robert Paquette (bob@theahi.org). The deadline for applications is March 1, 2019.

The AHI WaPoNS program, now in its fourth year, aims to prepare promising and motivated college students for the challenges of a rapidly changing global environment by offering them an opportunity to engage with some of the best thinkers on and practitioners in the field of national security.  These include both current and former officials in the Intelligence Community, Congress, the Pentagon, the White House, non-governmental organizations, industry, and academia, including members of premier think-tanks and news organizations. Participants will be afforded a rare inside glimpse of the many different cultures that must all work together to succeed. By observing the process of national security policymaking up close, from the perspective of the practitioners themselves, the program will serve to encourage and enhance the students’ leadership skills and open opportunities for future professional development.

The program is designed for a total of 15 students. Each morning, the participants will have a chance to conduct in-depth discussions on specific readings which will have been assigned ahead of time.  Afternoons will be devoted to on-site visits hosted by at least one representative of the organization or agency sponsoring the event. Housing is provided by American University, and meals will be covered.  Students will be responsible for travel to and from Washington, DC., but will be provided tickets for transportation during the program.

Application requirements:

  • The most recent transcript of courses and grades
  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty members
  • A 100-word explanation why the student wishes to participate in this program.
  • A 250-word essay describing the most critical national security challenge facing the nation.