Student Jobs and Career Development Programs
Ready to put that hard earned education to use? Whether you are a high school student, in your freshman year in college, working on your doctorate, or somewhere in between, we have an opportunity for you. Our student employment programs and career development programs guarantee valuable paid and non-paid work experience.
Click a link below to learn about opportunities for students.
- Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)
- Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF)
- Public Health Training Opportunities
- Student Educational Employment Programs
- Student Summer Employment Program
- Volunteer Service
- Work Study Program
How to Apply
Contact the CDC organization you are interested in working to learn more about student employment and volunteer service opportunities.
Emerging Leaders Program
Are you a college graduate eager to make a contribution to the health and well being of the American public? Do you have a capacity for leadership and a keen interest in analysis and management? If yes, we have just the right opportunity for you.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Emerging Leaders Program is a comprehensive, two-year, full-time employment and career development program that is a stepping stone to careers in science, technology, public health, administration, and more. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are eligible for permanent placement in an HHS operating division/bureau. Click here for more information about the Emerging Leaders Program.
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program
Will you complete your master’s, law, or doctoral-level degree during this academic year? If yes, we invite you to explore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program.
The PMF Program is a two-year, paid program designed to develop future leaders committed to excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. The program is highly competitive and candidates must be nominated by their graduate program’s dean, director, or chair. Upon successful completion of the program, fellows may be eligible for permanent placement within a federal agency. Click here for more information about the Presidential Management Fellows Program.
Public Health Training Opportunities
We are looking for smart, ambitious people for a variety of public health training programs. If you are in college, have recently graduated or are currently working in public health, we have a place for you. Click here for more information about Public Health Training Opportunities.
Student Educational Employment Programs
The student educational employment program consists of two programs:
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Student Careers Employment Program (SCEP) offers students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience directly related to their academic field of study. The program can also lead to permanent employment at CDC upon graduation and completion of 640 work hours.
- Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is a temporary employment program. Employment under STEP can range from summer jobs to positions that last as long as the employee is a student. STEP offers maximum flexibility for students looking for temporary employment — schedules are flexible and the work does not have to be directly related to the student’s academic field of study.
Students are eligible for the student educational employment program at CDC if they are:
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Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.)
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At least the minimum age required by federal, state or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors
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Taking at least a half-time academic or vocational/technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, or graduate or professional school
- A U.S. citizen or a national (permanent resident in absence of U.S. born citizen)
Students are paid under the General Schedule (GS) Federal pay system and are hired at Grades GS-1 through GS-9 according to their level of education. The GS grades vary according to the degree being pursued and the level of work being performed.
Students are also eligible for:
- Sick and annual leave accrual
- Health benefits
- Transit subsidy
- Alternative work schedule
- Child care
- Fitness center access
Visit www.studentjobs.gov for more information on student employment in the federal service.
Student Summer Employment Program
The Student Summer Employment Program provides training and work experience for individuals during summer months. The work ranges from office support to trades and labor occupations to positions in professional fields.
Eligibility
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to participate in the Student Summer Employment Program:
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Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a diploma, certificate, or degree-seeking student. Verification showing enrollment status is required from the school.
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Meet the minimum age required by federal, state, or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors.
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Taking or scheduled to take a course load at least half-time in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school.
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Be a U.S. citizen or a national (resident of American Samoa or Swains Island)
Pay and Benefits
Students in the Student Summer Employment Program receive a competitive salary, but are not eligible for federal benefits.
How to Apply
Student employment opportunities are announced December or January through March of each year at http://www.studentjobs.gov/. Visit the Web site beginning in December or January for more information on applying for summer employment with CDC. Detailed instructions on how to apply for student employment opportunities are provided during the announcement period.
Required Documentation
- Resume or Application (OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment )
- Academic Transcript
- School Verification Form
Previously Employed Under SSEP?
Students may not have to compete with other students if previously employed by CDC as part of the Student Summer Employment Program. However, students must complete and submit their application during the announcement period.
Work Study Program
The Work Study Program offers students various clerical and student trainee occupations during the academic year and/or summer months (June/July – September).
Eligibility
Students must apply for and be awarded federally-sponsored college work-study through their academic institution to be eligible for the work study program.
Pay and Benefits
Students receive a stipend through their school based on their year in school. Students are not eligible for federal benefits.
More Information
Students should contact their financial aid office for more information on work study opportunities.
Volunteer Service
Generally speaking, Federal agencies are prohibited by law (section 1342 of title 31, United States Code) from accepting volunteer service. No person may provide unpaid service to the Government or provide service with the understanding that he or she will waive pay. Exceptions to this prohibition are provided only for:
- employment in emergencies involving the protection of life or property;
- employment of assistants to handicapped employees;
- employment of experts and consultants; and
- employment of students to further their educational goals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not maintain a centralized database of volunteer opportunities. Contact the respective CDC organization if you are interested in volunteering.
Student Volunteer Service / Worksite Experience
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers unpaid, educationally-related opportunities to students in high school and college through the Worksite Experience Program. The Worksite Experience Program allows students to explore career options and gain valuable and rewarding work experience while pursuing their educational goals. Many educational institutions grant academic credit for the work performed. Contact your educational institution for more information on crediting volunteer experience.
Eligibility
To participate in the Worksite Experience Program, students must:
- receive written permission from their school;
- provide proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution (e.g., transcript, current student identification card, etc.);
- be at least 16 years old;
- be enrolled, at least half-time in:
- a high school or trade school;
- a technical or vocational school;
- a junior or community college;
- a four-year college or university; or
- any other accredited educational institution including home-school. [Students who are home-schooled must be participating in either an accredited home-school, or a home-school curriculum approved by the State.]
- provide proof of health insurance if volunteering in the research and study laboratories and facilities.
- pass a background investigation conducted by the CDC; and
- meet VISA requirements for non-citizens
Identifying Volunteer Opportunities
The CDC does not maintain a centralized database of volunteer opportunities. Students should contact the CDC organization they are interested in volunteering to identify and express an interest in volunteer opportunities.
* Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
Page last modified: 10/30/2006
