Student Programs at the National Security Agency (NSA)

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Stokes Educational Scholarship Program

About the Program
The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (formerly known as the Undergraduate Training Program) was proposed and introduced into legislation in 1986. Its purpose is to facilitate the recruitment of individuals, particularly minority high school students, who have demonstrated skills critical to NSA.

Stokes provides a tremendous opportunity to gain valuable experience in your field while attending college and getting a degree. Stokes is open to high school seniors planning on majoring in Computer Science or Computer/Electrical Engineering. College sophomores majoring in Mathematics are also invited to apply.

As an NSA employee with the Stokes Program, you will attend college full time, then work during the summer at NSA for 12 weeks in areas that are related to your course of study. You’ll acquire real-world experience and receive a salary year round. (Please note: Eligible students must maintain a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale after their freshman year) If selected as a program participant, you are required to work in your area of study for NSA after your college graduation for at least one-and-one-half times the length of study. If you leave NSA employment earlier, you must reimburse the government for your tuition and book costs.

Benefits

Tuition and mandatory fees at the college of your choice
Reimbursement for required textbooks ($1500.00 per year limit)
Housing and travel entitlements during summer employment (if the distance between NSA and the school exceeds 75 miles)
Year-round salary
Continued employment with NSA after graduation

Application Deadline
Applications are accepted September 7th – November 30th each year.

Qualifications for High School Students – You must major in Computer Science or Computer/Electrical Engineering and meet the following requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen
Eligible to be granted a security clearance
A high school senior at the time of application
A minimum SAT/College Board score of 1600 (1100 Critical Reading and Math, 500 in Writing), or ACT of 25
A preferred GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
Demonstrated leadership abilities

Computer Science
NSA Computer Scientists work in such areas as applications programming, computer security and graphics, and the design and implementation of software involving database management systems, real-time systems, networking, and distributed processing systems.

Computer or Electrical Engineering
The challenges and experiences in these areas range from pure and applied research, design, development, and testing to project management and systems analysis. You will be involved in projects that focus on communications systems, computer security and networking, microprocessor applications, software engineering, and optics.

Qualifications for College Sophomores – You must be majoring in Mathematics and meet the following requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen
Eligible to be granted a security clearance
A preferred 3.0 GPA or above for your freshman year
Demonstrated leadership abilities

Mathematics Majors
The primary responsibility of mathematicians at NSA is to solve mission problems associated with Signals Intelligence and Information Assurance. NSA mathematicians draw from a wide body of mathematical knowledge. However, many times the essential ingredient to the solution of a problem is merely the keen analytic ability a mathematician possesses. NSA mathematicians use a unique combination of ingenuity and the power of modern computers to test ideas for and implement solutions to some of NSA’s toughest technical challenges.

Students may be assigned to the Mathematics Summer Employment Program (MSEP) the summer following their junior year and are groomed to become members of the Mathematics Development Programs when their full-time commitment begins.

How to Apply
Program applications will be accepted between September 7th and November 30th each year. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked on or before November 30th. Applications received after the deadline, as well as incomplete packets, will not be considered. To apply for the Stokes Educational Scholarship Program, applicants must first:

Submit a resume online during open season by clicking any "Apply Online" link. Under "Basic Job Search", type in the keywords "Stokes Educational Scholarship Program" and click on "search". Select Stokes Educational Scholarship Program and click "Apply Now". Follow directions as prompted.

Once your resume has been submitted online, please submit the following by mail:

Letter of Recommendation from a teacher/counselor/advisor who can attest to your academic ability.
Math Majors: Submit two letters of recommendation speaking directly to your mathematics ability.
One-page essay entitled, "I want a career at NSA because…".
An official transcript from your high school and college (if applicable). Your high school transcript should indicate your unweighted cumulative GPA and class rank (if applicable).
Math Majors: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to include transcripts from those institutions from which you have transferred credits to your current institution.
Photocopy of your SAT/ACT or College Board scores (required for all high school students and college math applicants only).
Three (3) pages of supplemental information, if desired. This information can be anything that would enhance your applications, such as an original essay, math problem, etc.

All resumes must include the following information:

Name
Street Address
City, State, & Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Date of Birth

Your Future Preferred College Major:

High School – Computer Science or Computer/Electrical Engineering
College – Mathematics

High School and/or College Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number

If you are a high school senior, your resume must also include:
Unweighted GPA
Honors or AP courses
Highest SAT Score for Math and Verbal
ACT scores (if taken)
College Boards (Applicable in Puerto Rico)
Class size and rank (if applicable)
Extracurricular activities
School activities
Leadership positions held

Submit your application package to:
STOKES APPLICATION
National Security Agency, Attn: STOKES
9800 Savage Rd, Suite 6779
Ft. George G. Meade, MD 20755-6779

For more information:
If your would like additional information on the Stokes Educational Scholarship Program, please contact us at the address above or call us at 1-866-NSA-HIRE or (410) 854-4725.