Press Room
Nova Southeastern University's new anti-terrorism institute aims to help make safer schoolsNORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fl — America's schools will now have the tools to distinguish a common occurrence such as chicken pox from smallpox, respond to a violent crime, and give parents and children an added layer of security through the help of a newly formed institute to train educators on counter-terrorism and crisis response measures.
The National Institute for Homeland Security and Anti-Terrorism Preparedness, an independent organization based at Nova Southeastern University's Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services in North Miami Beach, Fl., and supported by Educational Impact in Warminster, Penn., and Signature Science in Austin, Texas, aims to provide educators with action plans, hands-on training, current research and education to prevent, prepare for and respond to terrorist incidents including biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear attacks.
The concept for NIHAP came in response to the growing need for schools to adapt to the evolving threats taking place in society and in schools today. The institute taps into the specialties from each supporting organization to offer a full spectrum of online learning and training capabilities.
Signature Science, nationally recognized experts in terrorism threats and agents, and trainers for numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement and homeland security agencies, will provide the curriculum for NIHAP. They have been working to keep schools safe since 2001 when they created statewide crisis training workshops tailored to the needs of Texas educators. To date, Signature Science has trained more than 1500 school personnel in every region of the state.
"Our original intent was to provide educators and administrators with knowledge that could be used to minimize the anxiety and apprehension many were experiencing due to fears of terrorism in our schools," said Adam Hamilton, President and CEO of Signature Science. "A terroristic threat against public schools in December 2001 motivated us to respond," said Hamilton. "We had no other option but to do something about it. We've taken that concept and developed it into a greater application and benefit through NIHAP."
The program interface tools for NIHAP needed to bring the training to schools nationwide via the Internet will be provided by Educational Impact, an online provider of professional development for educators. "Educational Impact is thrilled to be able to deliver a blended solution involving online resources and face-to-face opportunities," said David Hottenstein, Chief Executive Officer of Educational Impact. "The institute's goal is to capture the best research, best presenters, best resources and best case studies and make them available 24/7."
NSU's Fischler Graduate School of Education, pioneers in distance education programs, will provide access to online degree programs and certifications. "Nova Southeastern University is very excited to be a major part of helping America's schools and communities to become safer and more knowledgeable about homeland security," said Dr. H. Well Singleton, Provost of the Fischler Graduate School. "The Institute will serve as a one stop shop where educators, first responders, and government agencies can learn, dialogue and gather valuable information on Homeland Security issues."
NIHAP will also host an annual conference, slated for early 2005, which will bring together Homeland Security experts, researchers and educators in the field. Early bird enrollment for the annual conference should be available late spring early summer.
Enrollment for the certificate program and graduate level programs at NSU's Fischler Graduate School will begin late summer. Pre-release discount purchase of the online professional development program developed by EI and Signature Science is available immediately. NIHAP membership purchases and clearinghouse services are also available immediately. For more information visit www.nihap.net. Media outlets interested in setting up interviews with program directors should contact Mamie Ward at 954-262-8397.
NIHAP Online Program Fees
NIHAP Online Program SubscriptionThe NIHAP online program will consist of 12 hours of professional development training. Pricing is as follows for subscriptions which include an ID and Password to obtain access to the training.
| Subscription |  |
Number of IDs at this rate |
|
Price |
| Single | |
1 | |
$150 |
| Multiple #1 | |
5-99 | |
$125 per ID |
| Multiple #2 | |
100-499 | |
$100 per ID |
| Multiple #3 | |
500-999 | |
$60 per ID |
| Multiple #4 | |
1,000-4,999 | |
$50 per ID |
| Multiple #5 | |
5,000-9,999 | |
$40 per ID |
| Multiple #5 | |
10,000 or more | |
$30 per ID |
NIHAP Annual Membership
The NIHAP Membership offers access to all Clearinghouse Services for one year and the bi-annual newsletter, plus a 20% discount on the certificate and Masters program tuition at NSU and EI's online programs.
| Individual | |
Price |
| Pre-Conference Membership | |
$200 annual fee |
| Annual Membership thereafter | |
$300 annual fee |
| Institutional | |
Number of IDs | |
Price |
| Pre-Conference Membership | |
30 | |
$2000 annual fee |
| Annual Membership thereafter | |
30 | |
$3000 annual fee |
NIHAP Clearinghouse
The NIHAP Clearinghouse offers subscribers access to NIHAP Bulletin Boards, monthly facilitated chat rooms, the resource library and the practitioner network which includes current events, highlights on the best publications/conferences and case studies from the field.
| NIHAP Clearinghouse | |
Price |
| Single ID | |
$19.95/month or $200 annual subscription |
