Programs for High School Students
Programs for Undergraduate Students and Graduate/Post-Graduate Students
Cooperative Education Program |
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Have you ever considered getting a head start on your career while you’re still in school? Then the Cooperative Education Program could be your answer.
Also known as the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP), this forward-thinking partnership between you, your school and the U.S. Department of State puts you at an advantage by combining your academic studies with on-the-job training and relevant career experience. You’ll apply theories and work on projects that give real-life meaning to your classroom instruction. You’ll have the choice to work full- or part-time. And you’ll earn a paycheck as you serve your nation.
Eligibility requirements
You must be:
- At least 16 years of age
- A U.S. citizen
- Enrolled in a degree, certificate or diploma (full- or part-time) program
- In good academic standing at your school
- Able to meet security requirements
Compensation & Benefits
- Accrue annual and sick leave
- Sick Leave accrued at a rate of 4 hours per pay period, 13 days per leave year
- Eligible for pro-rated health and life insurance coverage
- Paid federal holidays
- Flexible work schedule
- Thrift Savings Plan (equivalent to 401(k)) with Government matching
- May qualify for credit towards degree requirements
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and placements are made throughout the year. We keep applications on file for 6 months in hopes of matching you with a bureau. In order to apply, you should electronically send your resume and cover letter if possible to coop@state.gov.
To qualify, you must be pursuing a degree, certificate or diploma (full time or part time), and at least 16 years of age. You also need to be in good academic standing at your school, a U.S. citizen, and able to meet security requirements.
Click here to download the Cooperative Education Program brochure (311kb, PDF).
Stay-in-School | |
Part of you wants to stay in school … part of you wants to work. Now you can do both through the Stay-in-School Program. It's the perfect work-study combination.
Also known as the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP), you’ll get that rare chance to work part-time when school is in session and full-time during vacation, with many opportunities in office or administrative support fields. Now here's the best news: you'll be paid at regular Government salary rates in line with your assigned duties, and you can be promoted or rewarded based on your performance. Plus, you'll gain valuable experience while serving your nation.
Eligibility Requirements
So how do you get into the program? Here’s how:
- You must be a U.S. citizen
- At least 16 years of age
- Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full- or part-time student in any high school, vocational school or undergraduate program
Compensation and Benefits
- Flexible work hours
- Accrue annual and sick leave
- Performance-based promotions and benefits
- Competitive salary
- Paid federal holidays
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and placements are made throughout the year. Applications are kept on file for 6 months in hopes of matching you with a bureau. In order to apply, you should electronically send your resume and cover letter to coop@state.gov.
Click here to download the Stay-in-School Program brochure (511kb, PDF).
Summer Clerical Program |
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Spend your summer getting to know the U.S. Department of State firsthand … and earn as your learn.
The Summer Clerical Program is a win-win situation for everyone. It gives you the opportunity to discover more about a career with us, and it helps us fill summer staffing needs during our employees’ vacations. And you’ll reap another reward: feeling proud about doing something worthwhile for your nation.
Office support duties include but are not limited to:
- Answering telephones and other receptionist-related duties; filing and maintaining files
- Typing and/or using a computer terminal for various office functions including initial entry of drafted materials using a variety of computer software packages
- Reviewing outgoing correspondence for correct format, grammar, punctuation and typographical errors
- Photocopying and assembling reports and briefings for distribution
It's our policy to provide an open, systematic and equitable assignment process that assures that positions are filled with the best-qualified individuals. New applicants for this program are appointed on a competitive basis that meets Office of Personnel Management guidelines. Selections are based on job-related criteria in line with merit principles.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for a Summer Clerical position, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen, age 16 or older at time of appointment
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.,) seeking student
- Taking at least half-time academic/vocational/or technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4 year college or university, graduate or professional school
- Able to complete a background investigation to determine eligibility for a security clearance
Positions at the GS-1, GS-2, GS-3 & GS-4 levels also have varying minimum requirements for school and/or work experience.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Gain work experience
- Paid federal holidays
How to Apply
We are not currently accepting applications for the 2009 Summer Clerical Program. To be notified when this program opens, please subscribe to our e-mail list.
Technical Difficulties: Please contact the helpdesk via e-mail or phone (866-656-6830) if you are having technical difficulties with the online application process. Click here to download Fax Imaging Instructions (83kb, PDF).
