The Lint Center for National Security Studies, Inc. is a really cool non-profit that aims to support educational opportunities who students interested in careers in national security and counter intelligence. With homeland security always in the news and the defense sector thriving, this organization is also worth checking out if you have ever been interested in working counter intelligence.  They have some great opportunities including virtual volunteering and a mentoring program.

The Lint Center’s scholarship opportunity is also a great opportunity.  Currently there is $2,000 available in merit scholarship in the form of three different scholarship opportunities.  The deadline for the scholarship has been extended to February 7, 2011. To be eligible for any of the scholarships, students must be admitted to a university before the application deadline.

The first scholarship opportunity is the Army Staff Sergeant Richard S. Eaton Jr., Scholarship which is worth $1,000. This scholarship application includes two essays: a personal essay and a National Security Essay.

The next opportunity is also a essay-based and worth $500.  The Mr. Jack McCoy Scholarship requires that you write an essay on the topic of diplomacy and the impact of it on the world.  Note, that the application is the same as the Eaton Scholarship, but the essay must be focused on diplomacy.

The scholarships will be primarily judged on the essays and it seems like students who have demonstrated interest in the counter intelligence field will be most successful.

The final scholarship is the Lee and Byun International Relations and Cultural Awareness Scholarship. For this opportunity, the essay must be on the topic of “international relations, cultural awareness, and pioneering for life changes.”

The Lint Center also offers some great resources for helping applicants finish their essays including essay tips and tricks, scholarship videos, a list of past winners, and the Lint Center blog.

Any other questions can be addressed to the Lint Center using their contact form.