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The NSA and Kids
Mike Hudack
Editor-in-Chief
They were visiting the Web site daily. Every day they downloaded all the new files and left. Who were they? The National Security Agency. The NSA was created in the fifties with a mandate to read other nations´ mail and keep our mail from being read. Since then they´ve moved into computer security in addition to their original cryptology.
Curious, I sent an e-mail to the registered custodian of the address visiting the site. It must have been referred around the mulberry bush because someone else answered. "Do you know about our college programs?" this new person asked... I didn´t.
Apparently the NSA actively recruits students in high school (only local to Fort Meade) and college. The NSA employee asked for my address and received it.
About two weeks later I received a hand-addressed manila envelope (which has been broadcast on CNN) containing a series of glossy recruitment brochures touting an "opportunity the brightest students cannot afford to miss."
They had no idea about my academic qualifications when they told me about the program -- or at least I didn´t tell them. My academic credentials are, however, quite good with the exception of attendance.
About a week after I received the brochures I received another e-mail from this NSA employee who I was now recognizing as a recruiting officer. He told me that I could "definately get into the program," and that I would be able to go to "any college [I] want," suggesting they could get me into the colleges.
Since then he´s e-mailed me almost weekly asking if I´ve applied.
This happened to me almost half a year ago now, and I´ve since spoken to others who have been the subject of recruiting efforts. One teenager told me "they were very enthusiastic. Kept telling me how I could get paid for going to college... They sounded like the Army." And well they should -- they are part of the Department of Defense.
The offer is pretty simple, and anyone can apply. If you plan to study computer science, electrical or computer engineering, mathematics or language in college, the NSA will allow you to apply. You must have at least a 1200 on your SATs and a 3.0 GPA. In return for four years of college, a salary, room and board, you must work for NSA for five years post-graduation.
Most of the people the NSA is targetting in this recruiting program seem to have problems with the idea. Most, including me, disagree with the NSA´s cryptology policies (read: key escrow and export limitations). Likewise, however, the opportunity is certainly an amazing one.
Related Links:
National Security Agency
NSA Names Schools
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