Gifted and Talented Program STEM for High School

Gifted and Talented Program STEM for High School

The National Security Agency’s (NSA) Gifted and Talented Program is only open to high school seniors. The program is designed for high school students who have demonstrated an aptitude for Engineering, Math and Science. This program provides a tremendous opportunity to gain valuable experience in the area of STEM.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted September 1st – October 31st of each year.

Salary

All G&T students are GG 02/01.

Benefits

Receive annual leave, sick leave and paid federal holidays.

Work Schedule

If accepted into the program students are to work full time 40 hours per week for a 10 – 12 weeks during the summer months following their senior year of high school.

*Please note: Housing & Travel are not available for this program.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen

• Must be eligible for a security clearance

• Must be a high school senior who will have completed at least an AP/IB Level Physics and

Calculus course and either a Computer Science, Computer Programming or an Engineering course by completion of their Senior year

• Unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher is preferred • Must have scored at least 1600 on the SAT or 25

on the ACT

How to Apply

Online applications must be submitted and hardcopy materials postmarked by October 31st. Applications received after the deadline, as well as

incomplete packages, will not be considered.

To submit a resume, click any "Apply Online" link. Under "Basic Job Search", in the keywords field, please type "Gifted and Talented" and click "Search". Select Gifted and Talented Program and click "Apply Now". Follow directions as prompted.

Students must also mail the following:

1. Resume

2. Two Teacher Recommendations from a Physics, Calculus, Computer Science or Engineering teacher (no more than one type-written page by each).

3. Official transcript from High School (inclusive of the final 11th grade year) 4. Verification of SAT or ACT Scores (at least 1600 on SAT or 25 on the ACT) 5. A one-page type written response to "Why am I interested in STEM?"

Submit to:

National Security Agency Office of Recruitment 9800 Savage Road

Ft. George Meade, MD 20755-6779 Attn: MB3, G&T Program

For more information

If you would like additional information about the Gifted and Talented Program, please contact us at the address above or call 1-866-NSA-HIRE.

High School Programs

Whether you're gifted in business, printing/graphic arts or computers, NSA provides on-the-job training specific to your skill set.

Spend your senior year gaining valuable work experience with NSA while earning a salary.

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 or Technical Computer 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.

Application Deadline

Must apply between 1 September and 31 October of your junior year of high school.

Nature of the Program

When hired, employment is guaranteed from September-June of your senior year, with the possibility of an extension through late August. Your

temporary, part-time employment category requires a Monday-Friday duty schedule of 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 Program or Model Shop student you will earn a wage consistent with a GGD 01/01 job classification.

As a Vo-Tech Program student you will earn a wage consistent with a WGA 01/01 job classification.

Benefits

You will earn sick and annual leave in proportion to time actually worked (at a rate of one hour of leave per 20 hours worked). You will also receive paid Federal holidays.

Available High School Work Study Program Positions:

• Office Assistant – Type, file, maintain records, answer phones and operate business equipment

such as word processors and personal computers

• Computer Aide – Operate our data processing equipment, often the most sophisticated

equipment on the market Available Vo-Tech Positions:

• Printing/Graphic Arts – Use software to create agency brochures, pamphlets, etc. • Manufacturing – Use industrial assembly machines

Available Model Shop Positions:

• Machining, sheet metal, fabrication, welding, woodworking, injection molding, and painting

and plating

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 place you in one of those positions .

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to be granted a security clearance • 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 or Technical Computer classes or

printing/graphic arts or manufacturing classes (as stated above) 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 of age 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 years • 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 1st through October 31st of your junior year.

All applicants MUST apply online through the NSA website and follow the instructions below. Applications can be found here.

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 the directions as prompted.

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

1. Hardcopy resume (must include the relevant courses completed or in progress as well as the position to which you are applying (Office Assistant, Computer Aide, Vo-Tech or Model Shop) Click here to download a sample resume.

2. One Teacher Recommendation Form (Click here to download form) 3. One Student Evaluation Form (Click here to download form) 4. Official transcript from the High School

Submit your completed application package to:

National Security Agency Office of Recruitment 9800 Savage Road

Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-6779 Attn: HSWS Program, MB3

Applications must be postmarked by October 31st 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.

For more information:

If you would like additional information about the High School Work Study and Vo-Tech Programs, please contact us at the address above or call 1-866-NSA-HIRE.

Stokes Educational Scholarship 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.

As an NSA employee with the Stokes Program, you will attend college full-time, receive up to $30,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees; and work during the summers at NSA for 12 weeks in areas that are related to your course of study. You'll acquire real-world experience and receive a year-round salary. Please note: must maintain a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale after your 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.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted September 1st - November 15th of each year.

Benefits

• Tuition and mandatory fees of up to $30,000 per year at the college of your choice • Housing and travel entitlements available during summer employment (if the distance

between NSA and the school exceeds 75 miles)

• Year-round salary

• Guaranteed continued employment with NSA after graduation • Receive annual and sick leave and paid federal holidays • Health and life insurance

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

• Must be 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 GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale is preferred • 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

communication systems, computer security and networking, microprocessor applications, software engineering and optics.

How to Apply

Program applications will be accepted between September 1st and November 15th each year.

Applications must be submitted online and postmarked on or before

November 15th. 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 the directions as prompted.

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

o Letter of Recommendation from a teacher/counselor/advisor who can attest to your academic ability.

o One-page essay entitled, "I want a career at NSA because..."

o An official transcript from your high school which indicates your unweighted cumulative GPA and class rank (if applicable).

o Photocopy of your SAT/ACT or College Board scores (required for all high school students).

o Three (3) pages of supplemental information, if desired. This information can be anything that would enhance your application, such as an original essay, etc.

All resumes must include the following information:

Name

Full Address Phone Number E-mail Address Date of Birth High School Unweighted GPA

Preferred College Major (CS, CE, EE): 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 completed application package to:

National Security Agency, 9800 Savage Rd, Suite 6779

Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-6779 Attention: MB3, Stokes Program

For more information

If you would like additional information about the Stokes Educational

Scholarship Program, please contact us at the address above or call us at 1-866-NSA-HIRE or 410-854-4725