Site Visits
Visit distinguished government agencies and military facilities, where you will meet with civilian, military, and intelligence officers
to get an inside view of duties and daily operations.
Past site visits have included:
U.S. Department of State* – The United States State Department plays an integral role in fostering relationships throughout the world in order to advance the country's interests and resolve issues peacefully. On an exclusive tour, scholars had the opportunity to hear from a high-level speaker on matters of diplomacy and international relations.
Pentagon* – Scholars had the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of one of the world’s largest office buildings. All scholars were exposed to the Department of Defense’s mission and each of its branches of service. They also visited numerous displays that highlight and depict significant moments in military history.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Headquarters* – Scholars took a trip to the FBI headquarters, where they were greeted by current and former FBI representatives. They had the rare opportunity to look into the FBI’s rich history and current division operations. This experience helped scholars gain insight into the various careers and functions of the FBI in the field, in communities, and at headquarters.
The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) – Scholars had the opportunity to explore USNA’s beautiful campus and hear about the admissions process and career opportunities for Academy graduates. They also visited the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, enjoyed lunch at the Drydock Restaurant, and learned about the history of this iconic campus.
A Foreign Embassy – Scholars were fully immersed in the diplomacy field as they learned about role of an embassy and its relationship with the United States. They gained insight into the importance of a foreign nation's culture as well as the daily life of its citizens and developed a better understanding of the cultural differences between that nation and the U.S., which can strain or support diplomatic relations. Meeting embassy staff allowed scholars to also learn about the day-to-day operations and top challenges that diplomacy professionals face today.
Arlington National Cemetery – Scholars witnessed the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns within Arlington National Cemetery. They even had the opportunity to write an essay to be selected to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony.
*Indicates a secure site visit, which requires information from a government-issued form of photo identification be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the program session and the student's possession of that form of identification while at the program.
National Security Crisis Simulation
Near the end of NYLF National Security, you and your fellow scholars will face a simulated national security threat that will require you to use the
knowledge you have gained about intelligence, diplomacy, and defense operations to take action. Working in teams, you will take on a character role within
the media, intelligence, diplomacy, defense, legislative, or executive branches and work together to resolve challenges. Teams will receive information in
real time that will affect your decision-making process and how you interact with your peers to determine resolutions. During this true-to-life culminating
simulation, you will face the challenges of interagency coordination and decision making, and will have to evaluate a wide range of alternatives, weigh the
risks, consider possible adversary counter-measures, and determine opportunity costs before finalizing a strategy to neutralize the threat.
National Security Career Fair
Explore careers in the fields of diplomacy, intelligence, and defense operations. Visit with representatives from federal agencies, military academies,
private companies, and branches of the military to get the answers you need to help you determine the next step in your education and career.
Past
career fair participants have included:
- National Security Agency (NSA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- World Bank Group
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
- U.S. Department of State
- Peace Corps
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Marines
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Coast Guard
Please note: We are currently evaluating all aspects of NYLF National Security and may make changes to the curriculum or site visits to ensure the program meets the most up-to-date health and safety standards.