Student Programs at the National Security Agency (NSA)

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Work Study Programs

Whether you're gifted in Business, Printing/Graphic Arts or Computers, NSA provides on-the-job training specific to your skill set.

High School Work Study Program

Spend your senior year earning valuable work experience with NSA.

Application Deadline
Applications are accepted September 7th - November 1st of each year.

About the High School Work Study Program
The High School Work Study Program is designed for high school students who are enrolled in either business computing or office technology classes, and who plan to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program during their senior year.

About the Vo-Tech Program
The Vo-Tech Program is designed for students who are enrolled in Printing/Graphic Arts or Manufacturing classes, and who plan to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program during their senior year.

Nature of the Program
When hired, you will be placed on a Temporary Appointment which includes a "Not to Exceed" date of June 30th. This means employment is guaranteed from September-June of your senior year, with the possibility of an extension through August 31st. Your temporary, part-time employment category requires a Monday-Friday duty schedule for no more than 32 hours and no less than 20 hours per week.

Training
You'll enhance your educational requirements with on-the-job training and continued participation in work experience at school during your senior year.

Salary
As a High School Work Study or Model Shop student you will earn a wage consistent with a GGD-01 job classification.

As a Vo-Tech student you will earn a wage consistent with a WB 1/1 job classification.

Benefits
You will earn sick and annual leave in proportion to time actually worked. Time will be accrued at a rate of one hour leave per 20 hours worked. You will also be paid full Social Security taxes.

Available High School Work Study positions:

Office Assistant (type, file, maintain records, answer phones, and operate business equipment such as word processors and personal computers)
Computer Aides (operate our data processing equipment, often the most sophisticated equipment on the market)

Job Placement After Graduation
NSA cannot guarantee permanent full- or part-time employment after completing the work-study program. However, should a permanent vacancy exist, every effort will be made to find a place for you if you desire permanent employment.

Qualifications

Must reside in the Baltimore-Washington, DC metro area
Must be a U.S. citizen
Must have an interest and aptitude in business computing and office technology
Must be a high school junior enrolled in either business computing or office technology classes with plans to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program throughout your senior year
An unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred
Must be 16 years old by August 31st following your junior year
Must have reliable transportation for getting to and from work

Making the Grade

You must meet the standards of performance on the job
You must maintain an unweighted 2.5 GPA throughout your junior and senior year
If absent from school, you must be absent from work
You must achieve satisfactory evaluations from both your Work Supervisor and Work Experience Coordinator
You must complete the program year, graduate, and receive your high school diploma
Employment may be terminated if your personal conduct warrants such action

How to Apply

Applications are accepted September 7th through November 1st of your junior year. Applications must be postmarked by November 1st to be considered. All applications that are received after the deadline, as well as incomplete packets, will not be considered for employment.

Check with your high school work experience coordinator (typically in the Business/Computer/Guidance Department) to determine if NSA is scheduled to visit your school during the fall semester.

All applicants MUST apply online at our NSA website: www.nsa.gov and follow the instructions below.

To submit a resume online during open season, click any "Apply Online" link. Under "Basic Job Search", type in keywords "High School Work Study Program" and click on "search." Select High School Work Study Program and click "Apply Now." Follow directions as prompted.

Applicants must also send in the following to complete your application packet:

Hardcopy resume
Two teacher recommendations Recommendation form (15.5KB PDF)
Official transcript

Submit your application package to:
National Security Agency
Office of Recruitment
9800 Savage Road
Ft. George Meade, MD 20755-6779
Attn: HSWS Program, MB3