"Days of Intrigue" Summer Program

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An Intelligence Case Study for High School Students

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)? The Second Annual Days of Intrigue: Intelligence Case Study for High School Students at The University of Mississippi offers an unparalleled opportunity for you to experience what it's like to be an intelligence analyst. The Days of Intrigue case study is developed yearly by the university's Center for Intelligence and Security Studies, with involvement from national intelligence agencies. The exercise simulates the experience of being an analyst in the intelligence community.

Days of Intrigue gives high school students a chance to learn about the Intelligence Community and apply analytical intelligence methods, such as cryptanalysis, used by real analysts to solve a case. In addition to learning analytical skills, you'll also learn how to conduct a security detail for presidents and diplomats as well as how to clandestinely collect information. You'll act in real time to solve a case, relying on fabricated evidence and open-source intelligence. Evidence includes video, audio, fabricated websites, and computer database materials. You'll also participate in a ropes course that reinforces skills related to leadership and team building.

Students will be assigned to one of four "agencies"—the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or the National Security Agency (NSA). Some of the University of Mississippi's best students, who passed a highly competitive application process to join the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies intelligence minor, will serve as agency team leaders. These students have participated in past versions of Days of Intrigue.

Started in 2008, the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies' Intelligence and Security Studies (ISS) minor prepares outstanding students at The University of Mississippi for entry-level analytic positions in the United States Intelligence Community. Dr. Carl Jensen, former FBI supervisory special agent, serves as Director.

APPLICATION

• Be a tenth-grade or eleventh-grade student in good academic and conduct standing at the time of admission. The school can be public, private, parochial, or even home-educated.
• Have at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Complete the online application.

DEADLINES

Students must submit the application prior to May 1, 2013 to be considered by the selection committee.

SELECTION PROCESS

From the group of applicants, a committee comprised of University officials will select a cohort of high school student attendees from the applicant pool. The committee will rank students based upon their demonstrated interest in intelligence and national security, public service, leadership, concern for others, and academic achievements. The committee will attempt to form a class with diverse interests and experiences. In addition to those selected to participate, a small number of alternates will be designated.

HOUSING

Students accepted to the program will be housed with the Summer College for High School Students in the newly-built Luckyday Residential College. Adult staff as well as selected student counselors who serve as mentors to the participants will supervise them.

COSTS

The week-long program costs $425. To secure their spot, students must pay $100 by May 15th. The remaining amount will be due at check in. This fee covers housing, all meals, snacks, t-shirts, the ropes course, and program materials. Limited financial aid is available. An application for financial aid may be submitted with the application for admission.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ACCEPTED STUDENTS

Check-in for Days of Intrigue: An Intelligence Case Study will be Monday, June 10. Check-in will occur from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. A brief welcome and orientation for parents and students will occur at 4 p.m. (directions given at check-in). Directions to UM and a campus map are available at http://map.olemiss.edu/.