The Center for Homeland Security, part of the National Institute of Science, Space and Security Centers at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, will help evaluate security at Academy School District 20 elementary schools this fall.

Students from the U.S. Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base will conduct a survey as part of ongoing efforts to improve security in the school district. The district requires all schools to complete a risk analysis through a system developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Elementary school students will not be involved with the survey.

The Colorado Department of Public Safety has identified state schools as critical sectors requiring risk analysis and vulnerability assessment. The Northern Command students will oversee site surveys at 18 elementary schools, said Center for Homeland Security Associate Director Rick White.

"The students gain practical experience and the district gets additional eyes, ears and minds to assist in making schools safe," White said. "Everyone, but most importantly, our youngest citizens, wins in this arrangement."

The students will collect basic data on school security and contribute to the school district's strategic security plan in coordination with the district's security chief, Larry Borland.