Project GO is a collaborative effort pooling the financial and intellectual resources of the National Security Education Program , the Naval ROTC, Cadet Command (Army ROTC), and Air Force ROTC, 24 U.S. Universities, and the Institute of International Education.

The Project GO symbol references an Adinkra symbol, which the Asante people of Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire print onto ceremonial clothes. Associated with the meaning, "I change or transform my life," the original Adinkra symbol combines the image of a morning star inside the image of a wheel and suggests renewal and change through revolution and independent movement. Borrowing from the theme of the Adinkra symbol, the Project GO symbol is an animated, revolving sun, suggesting rejuvenation, transformation, and possibility.

National Security Education Program

The National Security Education Program (NSEP) was established by the National Security Education Act of 1991, which created the National Security Education Board, the National Security Education Program, and resources to provide undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, and institutional grants. It is guided by a mission that seeks to lead in development of the national capacity to educate U.S. citizens, understand foreign cultures, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and enhance international cooperation and security.

Program policies and direction are provided by the 13-member National Security Education Board. Congress has mandated that the Board be comprised of seven senior federal government officials, most of Cabinet rank, and six individual citizens appointed by the President of the United States. The Board determines critical areas the program should address and recommends criteria for the awards. Day-to-day operations are supported by the National Security Education Program Office, an office within the Department of Defense.

Institute of International Education

The Institute of International Education (IIE) administers the Project GO Institutional Grants on behalf of the National Security Education Program. IIE is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building international goodwill through educational and cultural exchange among nations. By enabling more than 18,000 outstanding men and women each year to study, conduct research, receive practical training, or provide technical assistance outside their own countries, IIE fosters mutual understanding, builds global problem solving capabilities, and strengthens the international competence of U.S. citizens.