Current international events set the tone for a new program at Westminster.
"This is my brainchild," said Tobias Gibson, associate professor of political science at Westminster College. "One of the things that matters to me is citizen education; the sooner we get people thinking about security, the better."
High school students have until July 1 to sign up for this year's Westminster Institute for National Security.
Westminster Institute for National Security, known as WINS, will take place July 17-21, allowing students the opportunity to learn about the national security issues facing the country and world while making valuable connections in the field of national security.
"We place students in places they would like to go," said Gibson. "The career opportunities are diverse, and Westminster's track record shows that."
According to Gibson, the program is an extension of the growing security studies major that was started at Westminster last year.
"It was a new major last year, and programmatically it is growing," said Gibson. "Now it's among the largest majors on campus. "
WINS students, ranging from high school sophomores to recently graduated seniors, will participate in classes where they will learn about different areas of national security such as human rights, bio security, climate change, intelligence analysis, national security law and terrorism.
Last year, WINS consisted of 18 students, many of whom were Callaway County resOVERSET FOLLOWS:idents. However, the program also included several out-of-state students.
"We also had a few from Chicago, Louisville, Omaha and Oklahoma," said Gibson.
In addition to the growing major and summer program, Westminster has also had the opportunity to host many guest speakers who, according to Gibson, are important people in the national security field.
"This year alone, we've hosted the secretary of Homeland Security, the former CIA head attorney, the director of Georgetown's Center on National Security and the Law, the former Air Force judge advocate general, the deputy director of the National Security Agency, and a New York Times best-selling author," said Gibson. "I'd say we are doing okay."
He added Westminster's security studies program alumni have gone on to meet influential people and build strong foundations for successful careers.
"One student went to Johns Hopkins University for a master's degree, another student went to George Mason Law School and is also working on the journal of National Security Law," said Gibson. "Some of these students have met some of the most influential people in National Security."
Students participating in the program will be able to learn about national security, earn one hour of college credit and have the opportunity to earn a $1,000 annual renewable scholarship to Westminster.
They also may have the opportunity to participate in national security events throughout the school year.
"Several from last summer came back for various events, and two of them got to meet Jeh Johnson," Gibson said of the current Homeland Security secretary.
According to Gibson, participation in WINS will help students add activities to their college applications, and make meaningful connections.
"It will be something that stands out no matter where they go," said Gibson. "They will also meet professionals in the national security enterprise."
Gibson said this year's lineup will include "state and national law enforcement personnel, including Retired Major General of the U.S. Army Byron Bagby."
To register for and learn more about the WINS program, students can visit the Westminster College website at Westminster-mo.edu.