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