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If you’re a current student or recent graduate, you may be eligible for federal internships, scholarships or apprenticeships through various student programs.
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program offers scholarships to undergraduate, masters and doctoral students who excel in STEM fields. Students are also provided opportunities to continue their research in Department of Defense civil service roles following graduation. Interested students should visit the SMART website for descriptive materials and to access the online application.
SEAP is a paid internship program that provides an opportunity for high school students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer. The program encourages students to pursue science and engineering careers, furthers their education via mentoring by laboratory personnel and makes them aware of DoN research and technology efforts, which can lead to employment within the DoN. Participants spend eight weeks during the summer doing research at 35 DoN laboratories. Learn more about SEAP and the application process.
NREIP is a paid internship program for college students that provides an opportunity to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer. The NREIP encourages participating college students to pursue science and engineering careers, to further their education by participating in research with the help of mentors, and to make them aware of DoN research and technology efforts, which can lead to employment within the DoN. Participating students spend 10 weeks during the summer conducting research at 45 DoN laboratories. Learn more about NREIP and the application process.
The Department of Defense (DoD) CySP is a scholarship program through the DoD. Interested students must be currently enrolled in National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity universities to participate. The universities will advertise the program and submit interested students’ applications. Visit the CySP website for more information.
The DoD College Acquisition Internship Program is a paid, 10-week summer internship that provides college students with real-world exposure to DoD acquisition workforce career opportunities. The program welcomes full-time second- and third-year students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Interns receive hands-on, practical experience in analysis, research, report writing, oral briefings, policy development, program analysis and computer applications. Learn more about the DoD program and application requirements.
The Naval Acquisition Development Program is designed to train and develop future senior acquisition leaders. Open to highly qualified entry-level and mid-career professionals, the program provides an opportunity for rapid advancement, regular promotions, career broadening assignments and graduate education through a structured, systematic career development process. For more information, visit the Naval Acquisition Development Program site.
The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. Three paths are available:
Internship Program The Internship Program provides students in high schools, colleges, trade schools and other qualifying educational institutions with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore federal careers while completing their education.
Recent Graduates Program The Recent Graduates Program provides developmental experiences in the federal government. It promotes careers in the civil service to individuals who, within the previous two years, graduated from qualifying educational institutions with an associates, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from qualifying educational institutions. To be eligible, applicants must apply within the previous two years of degree or certificate completion except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years after degree or certificate completion to apply.
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program For more than three decades, the PMF Program has been the federal government's premier leadership development program for advanced degree (e.g., master’s or professional degree) candidates. It allows those who have received a qualifying advanced degree within the last two years to participate.
Learn more about all three Pathways opportunities.
