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Student Programs | Stokes Educational Scholarship Program | NSA Image
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NSA provides funds for students and NSA employees who wish to continue their studies in fields critical to NSA's mission.

 
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Student Programs | Stokes Educational Scholarship Program Picture | NSA Image



 

 C ontinue Your Education at NSA

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  • The National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC)

  • The Smart Program

  • The Information Assurance Scholarship Program (IASP)

  • Stokes Educational Scholarship Program

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     THE NATIONAL PHYSICAL SCIENCE CONSORTIUM (NPSC)  

    The National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC) is an organization of leading universities, national laboratories and corporations that aims to increase the number of qualified U.S.-citizen Ph.D.'s in the physical sciences and related engineering fields. It emphasizes recruitment of a diverse applicant pool of women and historically underrepresented minorities.

    NPSC offers a unique six-year doctoral fellowship program in astronomy, chemistry, computer science, geology, materials sciences, mathematical sciences, physics and their subdisciplines. The consortium is dedicated to increasing the existing pool of Ph.D.'s to provide industry and higher education with the diversity and balance for the future of scientific research in America.

    Application Deadline
    To apply, visit http://www.npsc.org/

    About the Program
    As a corporate member of the consortium, NSA sponsors students pursuing doctorate degrees in mathematics, computer science and physics. In addition to providing financial support through membership dues, NSA also provides technical mentoring and at least two summers of employment to each sponsored student. Applicants must also accept a two-year post doctorate employment obligation with NSA.

    Qualifications

    • Must be a U.S. citizen
    • Must be eligible to be granted a security clearance.
    • Must be pursuing a Ph.D in mathematics, computer science or physics
    • Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
    • Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in math courses
    • Must be willing to accept a two-year post doctorate employment obligation with NSA

    How to Apply
    To apply, please contact:

    The National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC)
    c/o New Mexico State University
    Post Office Box 3001
    Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8801

    email: npsc@nmsu.edu
    Phone: (800) 952-4118
    Fax: (505) 646-6097

    For more information regarding this program, please contact NSA at:

    National Security Agency
    Office of Recruitment and Hiring
    Attn: NPSC
    Suite 6779
    9800 Savage Road
    Ft. George G. Meade, MD 20755-6779



     THE SMART PROGRAM  

    The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program has been established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories. For additional information and how to apply visit http://www.asee.org/fellowships/smart/

    The 2009 SMART Scholarship application closes December 15, 2008.



      THE INFORMATION ASSURANCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (IASP)  

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration (ASD (NII)) annually announces a Department of Defense Information Assurance (IA) Scholarship Program (IASP) grant and scholarship competition. The program is designed to: 1) increase the number of new entrants to DoD who possess key Information Assurance (IA) and IT skill sets; 2) serve as a mechanism to build the nation's IA infrastructure through grants to colleges and universities jointly designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Defense as Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education; and 3) serve as a tool to develop and retain well-educated military and DoD civilian personnel who support the Department's critical IT management and infrastructure protection functions. Additional information can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/cio-nii/iasp/



     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 Foreign Language (Farsi and Russian only), Mathematics, or courses of study leading to careers in Intelligence Analysis (see Qualifications section below) 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 at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale each semester 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 textbooks
    • 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 1st - November 30th of each year.

    Qualifications for High School Students - You must major in Computer Science, Computer or 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 time of application
    • A minimum SAT/College Board score of 1600 (1100 Critical Reading and Math, 500 in Writing), or ACT of 25
    • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
    • Demonstrable 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.

        Electrical or Computer 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, Foreign Language (Farsi and Russian only), or majors leading to a career in Intelligence Analysis, and meet the following requirements:

    • Must be a U.S. citizen
    • Eligible to be granted a security clearance
    • A minimum 3.0 overall GPA for your freshman year

        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.

        Foreign Language Majors
        It's a global world. That's one reason NSA depends on Language Analysts to perform an array of key duties such as transcribing, analyzing, and reporting on foreign communications. Your language major will allow you to contribute to real-world problem solving on a daily basis. You must have six (6) credits in the Farsi or Russian language to apply.

        Intelligence Analysis Majors - You must be pursuing one or some combination of the following areas of academic emphasis:

        • Regional Studies (Middle East; South, East, or Central Asia)
        • Topical Studies (terrorism, proliferation, or related sciences)
        • International banking and finance
        • Telecommunications and information system networks
        • Related disciplines such as intelligence/information analysis, philosophy, or international relations/studies/security studies

          (Note: Some foreign language preferred)

          Intelligence Analysts at NSA are part of a multi-faceted Cryptologic discipline that involves research, analysis, and the presentation of findings that enable us to provide the fullest possible signals intelligence picture to U.S. policymakers, military commanders, and other Intelligence Community members.

    How to Apply
    Program applications will be accepted between September 1st 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:

    1. Submit a resume online during open season by clicking any "Apply Online" link. Under "Basic Job Search," type in 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:

    2. Letter of Recommendation from a teacher/counselor/advisor who can attest to your academic abilities. Math Majors: Submit two letters of recommendation speaking directly to your mathematics ability.
    3. One-page essay entitled, "I want a career at NSA because …"
    4. An official transcript from your high school or college. 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.
    5. Photocopy of your SAT/ACT or College Board scores (required for all high school students and college math applicants only)
    6. Three (3) pages of supplemental information, if desired. This information can be anything that would enhance your application, such as an original essay, math problem, etc…

    Your resume must include the following information:

    Name High School or College Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, and Phone Number
    Street Address
    City, State & Zip Code          
    E-mail Address
    Phone Number
    Date of Birth
    Future Preferred College Major (High School - Computer Science, Computer or Electrical Engineering; College - Mathematics, Foreign Language, or Intelligence Analysis)

    If you are a high school senior, your resume must also include:

    Unweighted GPA Highest SAT score for Math and Verbal
    Honors or AP courses College Boards (applicable in Puerto Rico)          
    ACT scores (if taken) School activities
    Extracurricular activities Leadership positions held
    Class size & rank (if applicable)  

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

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

        
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