Employment Programs for Students

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

STEP provides students with exposure to a variety of career fields that may not be directly related to their current area of study. STEP is designed to provide students with an introduction to the federal workforce. STEP also offers the opportunity to combine academic study and on-the-job work experience while earning a paycheck. 

Most importantly, STEP offers better positioning for employment opportunities after graduation.

Who should apply:

• Persons who are at least 16 years of age
• U.S. citizens
• Enrolled in an accredited high school, OR pursuing a degree, diploma, certificate in a technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school, OR participate in an accredited or state-certifies home-school (high school students only)
• Enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program at an accredited college or university, as defined by the school
• Students who maintain a good academic standing of at least a 2.00 GPA on a 4.0 scale

STEP Benefits:

• Flexible work schedule
• Annual and sick leave

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

SCEP provides work experience which is directly related to the student's academic program and career goals. SCEP is a progressive educational program that combines students’ academic studies with on-the-job experience.

Who should Apply:

• Persons who are at least 16 years of age
• U.S. citizens
• Those studying in a field that is closely related to the position for which the student is being considered
• Students who are enrolled in an accredited high school OR pursuing a degree, diploma, certificate in a technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school OR participate in an accredited or state-certifies home-school (high school students only)
• Students who maintain a good academic standing of at least a 2.00 GPA on a 4.0 scale

SCEP Benefits:

• Gain experience working in your career field
• Flexible work schedule
• Annual and sick leave
• Health and life insurance (if employed as a student trainee for at least 1 year and expects to be in a pay status at least one-third of the total period of time in the program)

Student Volunteer Employment Program (SVEP)

SVEP hires students to work as (unpaid) volunteers in exchange for valuable work experience directly related to their academic field of study. Students may receive educational credit for their participation in this program.

Who should Apply:

• U.S.citizens
• Students enrolled in at least half-time academic or vocational and technical course load in an accredited educational institution
• Students who are able to provide a letter of verification from the educational institution showing proof of current enrollment in school
• Students who complete a formal agreement between the student, the school, and USCIS

SVEP Benefits:

• Gain experience working in your career field
• Flexible schedule