The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education program. This partnership was formed in April 2004 and responds to Priority III of the President's National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace of 2003 that directs the Federal Government to foster training and education programs to support the Nation's cybersecurity needs, and to increase the efficiency of existing Federal cybersecurity programs. The President's National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace refers to cyberspace as the nervous system of our Nation's critical infrastructures, and indicates that the healthy functioning of cyberspace is essential to our economy and our national security. Securing cyberspace presents a difficult strategic challenge, and information assurance education is a critical component in successfully meeting that challenge.

Universities designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through both the Federal and Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Programs.

Additional information regarding the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education program may be obtained by contacting the Public Affairs and Communications Office at (301) 688-6524 or by email at nsapao@nsa.gov.

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly announce the designation of the following universities as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education for academic years 2006 through 2009: