The Foreign Policy and National Security Initiative Program is designed to prepare non-traditional college students for leadership roles in foreign affairs and national defense. The Serrano Scholars program is funded by grants from the United States Departments of State, Education, and Defense. It is administered through a partnership with Hostos Community College, CUNY, and Columbia University's School of General Studies (GS) and School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). The program honors Congressman Jose Serrano, U.S. Representative for the 16th District of New York, who has been instrumental in conceiving this program.

The Foreign Policy and National Security Initiative Program provides students with a Scholarship that includes tuition and fees for full-time study for four years (two at GS, two at SIPA) plus a stipend. The Program Scholars at Columbia University will partake in mentoring, leadership, and internship programs that will guide and support students in their academic and career goals. Students will have access to a myriad of resources and unprecedented opportunities that will allow them to grow personally, intellectually, and professionally. The Columbia Center for New Media Teaching and Learning in conjunction with faculty at Hostos Community College, Columbia School of General Studies, and The School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, is developing digital resources for enhancing the learning experience of the participants.