The University of South Florida (USF) houses a groundbreaking program that exposes students to the realm of intelligence and national security. In collaboration with Security Management International, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm, USF offers students direct pathways to prestigious careers with entities such as the CIA, FBI, State Department, military intelligence, and leading defense contractors. This unique program is a rarity among universities, significantly impacting both the career trajectories of students and the national security workforce of the nation.
Initiated in 2020, the Security Training Collaborative is a 16-week internship program overseen by USF Corporate Training and Professional Education. Situated at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, the program has equipped over 40 students from USF and other institutions to seamlessly transition into high-profile roles post-graduation.
“This initiative aims to equip our students to step into some of the most critical security missions globally, fully prepared to make substantial contributions,” stated Brett Kemker, interim regional chancellor of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. “It’s a program that not only transforms lives but also fortifies our nation’s security infrastructure.”
Students engage in practical experiences that transcend conventional classroom learning. They participate in activities alongside agencies like the Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, and Capitol Police. Weekly sessions with national security experts acquaint them with the latest trends in intelligence and security.
On a weekly basis, students conduct risk assessments for Fortune 500 companies, contribute to crisis management planning, and conduct research to enhance real-world intelligence investigations.
Jay Riley, a senior director at USF Corporate Training and Professional Education involved in overseeing the program, highlighted, “This environment has enabled us to elevate the program significantly. Our collaboration with USF partners has expanded the program’s horizons and enabled students to engage with diverse university facets they may not have encountered previously.”
The program collaborates with Cyber Florida and the Global and National Security Institute’s Future Strategist Program at USF to provide students like Nicholas Montemayor, a Coast Guard veteran pursuing a master’s degree in strategic intelligence at USF, with additional resources and opportunities. Montemayor’s internship involvement led to a subsequent position at Cyber Florida, where he analyzed critical infrastructure vulnerabilities across Florida and obtained his CARVER certification, a military-developed risk assessment tool utilized by federal agencies and foreign governments.
Reflecting on his experience, Montemayor remarked, “The opportunity to engage in both internships was enriching, as both programs embraced me warmly, and the experiences synergistically enhanced my skill set, making me more versatile. USF’s offerings are truly exceptional. When I initially explored intelligence graduate programs, options were limited, but discovering USF left me astonished by the myriad opportunities available.”
The program is instrumental in positioning Tampa Bay as an emerging hub for intelligence and defense training.
“Tampa possesses a unique advantage as a national security hub due to the proximity of MacDill Air Force Base,” noted Luke Bencie, founder of Security Management International and former CIA technical operations officer. “The city, in conjunction with USF, provides unparalleled access to the military and intelligence community, making it logical for us to establish a conduit from USF to Washington.”
Several program participants secure permanent roles with federal agencies or defense contractors, often commencing with or earning sought-after security clearances that give them a competitive edge during recruitment processes.
Gretchen Stearns, a Navy veteran and cryptologic technician, credits the program’s hands-on experience for aiding her in securing a position at the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C., shortly after graduating in Spring 2025.
Expressing her satisfaction, Stearns commented, “I am thrilled about this opportunity. I can apply the knowledge acquired during my military tenure, the USF intelligence studies master’s program, and the Security Training Collaborative in my new role.”
Stearns joined USF to pursue a master’s degree in intelligence studies and emerged as a published author post-program completion. Her research, published in the Journal of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security International, delved into how terrorist and criminal groups utilize encrypted messaging platforms and social media for recruitment and communication.
Through initiatives like the Security Training Collaborative, USF not only readies students for careers but also shapes the trajectory of America’s national security workforce, establishing Tampa Bay as a frontrunner in intelligence and defense talent.
For those intrigued by the Security Training Collaborative, contact jayriley@usf.edu.
Partake in CyberBay’s inaugural event to unify in propelling Tampa Bay’s evolution as a primary hub for cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security convergence. Cyberbay is powered by the University of South Florida, Cyber Florida, Bellini Capital, the USF Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity, and Computing, and the USF Institute for AI+X.
Cassidy Delamarter, Cyber Florida, Global and National Security Institute, MyUSF
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Key Takeaways:
- USF’s Security Training Collaborative offers students a unique pathway into high-profile national security careers.
- The program provides hands-on experiences with prominent agencies and experts in the field.
- Graduates often secure positions with federal agencies or defense contractors, leveraging their security clearances.
- USF’s program not only prepares students for careers but also contributes to shaping the future of the national security workforce.
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