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Students

Make an impact and learn what it's like to work for the federal government.
The federal government offers paid and unpaid internships, scholarships and other opportunities for current students in high school, college, trade school, graduate school or other qualifying educational institutions.

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Internships and other opportunities for students

  • The Pathways Internship Program is for current students in high school, college, graduate school or a qualifying career or technical education program (which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs , Job Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps).

    Many federal agencies offer this internship program to introduce students to the agency’s work environment and help them explore possible careers in the federal government. This program is a great opportunity to get paid and gain valuable work experience while still in school. If you successfully complete the program, you may be eligible for a full-time position with the federal government after you graduate.

    • Your internship may be part-time or full-time.
    • Your internship work will relate to your academic or career goals and field of study.
    • Each agency that participates in this program will sign an agreement with you outlining expectations.

    Who is eligible?

    You must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least part-time in school or a qualifying career or technical educational program.

    Have questions?

    Please contact pathways@opm.gov with any questions related to the Pathways Programs for students or contact the agency listed in the internship announcement for questions about a specific internship.

    You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about the Pathways program.

  • The SFS program is for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. SFS provides scholarships for up to three years of support to eligible students in return for a commitment to work for the federal government, in a position related to cybersecurity, after graduation.

    Learn more about the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program .

  • The Department of Defense (DOD) offers internships, fellowships and apprenticeships for high school, undergraduate and graduate students.

    Learn more about student opportunities with the DOD .

  • The Department of State offers internships for undergraduate and graduate students. These internships may have you working in a foreign affairs environment at U.S. embassies or consulates around the world, bureaus in Washington D.C. or Department offices around the U.S.

    Learn more about the Department of State internships.

  • NASA offers several opportunities for high school and undergraduate students to work alongside with research scientists, engineers and other professionals.

    Learn more about NASA internships.

  • The Boren Scholarships offer funds to undergraduate students to study abroad and learn less commonly taught languages in world regions that are important to U.S. interests. The Boren Fellowships are for graduate students to research.

    Learn more about the Boren Scholarships and Fellowships.

  • USAID offers paid internships and fellowship opportunities to students and recent graduates in Washington D.C. and in USAID Missions abroad.

    Learn more about USAID internships.

  • The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science has two STEM-related internship programs for undergraduate students.

    Learn more about the DOE community college internship.

    Learn more about the DOE undergraduate laboratory internship.

  • This program offers job opportunities for high school and college students who are family members of a U.S. government employee assigned to an overseas post under Chief of Mission authority.

    Learn more about the Overseas Seasonal Hire Program.

Why work for the federal government?

Make an impact

You can make a difference in our nation and across the world in so many ways—combat climate change, help small businesses, rebuild America’s infrastructure, fight disease and more.

Our commitment to diversity

The federal government strives to create a workforce that represents the full diversity of our nation and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Enjoy great benefits and competitive pay

We offer flexible workplaces, generous leave, student loan repayment, medical insurance, flexible spending accounts and more.

Hiring resources to get you started

Documents you may need to apply

Many internships will require you to submit a transcript with your application. The Required documents section of the job announcement will list the documents you need to submit with your application.

Learn how to get a copy of your transcript.

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