Projects are typically in the areas of:

• Big Data
• Information Retrieval
• Information Visualization
• Computer and Network Security
• Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence
• Human Language Technology/Computational Linguistics
• Ontology/Taxonomy and Graphical Analysis
• Information Query and Question Answering
• Knowledge and Data Representation, Distillation and Sharing
• Knowledge and Database Crawling
• Software Agent Planning and Control
• Signal Processing
• Architecture & Systems

For purposes of this program, IA encompasses the scientific, technical and management disciplines required to ensure computer and network security, such as:

• System/network administration and operations
• Systems security engineering
• Information assurance systems and product acquisition
• Cryptography
• Threat and vulnerability assessment, including risk management
• Cybersecurity
• The operations of computer emergency response teams
• Information assurance training, education, and management
• Computer forensics
• Defensive information operations.

Students enrolled in an M.S. (combined BS/MS also accepted) or Ph.D. program who have experience with one of these areas should apply: applied mathematics, data science and statistics, mathematical programming and optimization, modeling and simulation, computer networking or computer programming languages.

Data Center Management Intern Program

Interns will gain experience through a hands-on approach to managing a data center. From deployments of new systems and their associated mechanical, electrical, and IT requirements, you will gain valuable knowledge and insight for a growing demand in the data center marketplace. Past intern projects have focused on how to better manage aspects of a data center, how to optimize data center efficiency and more.

Cryptanalysis and Signals Analysis Summer Program (CASA SP)

This internship gives undergraduate mathematician and computer science students a chance to contribute to mission-essential technical operations at NSA. Our mission is to transform collected data into a format analysts can readily consume for intelligence purposes by analyzing signals and protocols, and overcoming security measures. Problems involve applications of math, statistics, computer science, reverse engineering and software development.

You will work directly with business professionals on any one of the following projects/requirements:

• Negotiating multimillion dollar contracts
• Developing the agency’s annual budget
• Acquiring products and services from industry partners
• Developing negotiation positions
• Providing financial support for major acquisition programs
• Working with other intelligence agencies and Department of Defense organizations to develop various support agreements

Are you looking for an opportunity that will provide professional work experiences that are significant and meaningful to your career and academic goals; enable you to explore the fascinating and unique world of intelligence; and give you the opportunity to serve your country? If so, look no further than the National Security Agency (NSA). NSA’s BM&A Summer Intern Program offers training and experience within a multi-faceted business organization for business majors and/or those interested in applying their math knowledge to financial challenges. This 12-week program offers full-time paid internships to rising college seniors as well as graduate level students to provide the opportunity to build knowledge and skills in a variety of disciplines within the business field. Along the way we will provide an opportunity to attend various operational tours to fully appreciate what the NSA does in defense of our nation.

Reasonable Accommodation Case Manager

You will gain sound knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the reasonable accommodation process, from the initial request for accommodations through the implementation of the approved accommodations and more.

Sign Language Interpreter

You will gain sound knowledge of the fundamental concepts of interpreting and managing communication within highly technical and dynamic work environments and more.

Electrical or Computer Engineering Majors
You will be involved in the design, development, testing and evaluation of electronic communications systems. These multidisciplinary assignments will reach to such rapidly advancing areas as optics, lasers, acoustics and microprocessors.

Computer Science Majors
You will explore high-tech opportunities, such as object-oriented methodology, multimedia, data warehousing/data mining, design/analysis development of software and systems, client/server development, networking and Internet technology.

Cybersecurity Majors (technical track)
You will work as part of a team that’s on the frontlines of defense against our cyber adversaries. The Intelligence Community needs cyber professionals with technical expertise and a driving desire to remain at the forefront of their field.

Chinese Language and Studies Majors
Language Analysts work directly with the original written or spoken foreign language, determine the relevance of the intelligence collected, research it, analyze it, and put it into context for dissemination to national-level policy makers, military commanders and other customers.

Electrical or Computer Engineering Majors
You will be involved in the design, development, testing and evaluation of electronic communications systems. These multidisciplinary assignments will reach to such rapidly advancing areas as optics, lasers, acoustics and microprocessors.

Computer Science Majors
You will explore high-tech opportunities, such as object-oriented methodology, multimedia, data warehousing/data mining, design/analysis development of software and systems, client/server development, networking and Internet technology.

Cybersecurity Majors (technical track)
You will work as part of a team that’s on the frontlines of defense against our cyber adversaries. The Intelligence Community needs cyber professionals with technical expertise and a driving desire to remain at the forefront of their field.

Programs are available for students majoring in a language-focused major including Russian, Korean, Farsi, Arabic or Chinese. Right from the start, you will be involved in real life projects and will have full use of NSA labs, equipment and advanced technologies.

Language Analysts work directly with the original written or spoken foreign language, determine the relevance of the intelligence collected, research it, analyze it, and put it into context for dissemination to national-level policy makers, military commanders and other customers.

With the Stokes Program, you will attend college full-time, then work during the summer at NSA’s HQ in Fort Meade, Maryland, for a minimum of 12 weeks in areas related to your course of study. You will acquire real world experience and receive a salary year-round. Best yet, after you graduate college, you won’t have to go through the job search hassle - a position will be waiting for you in your area of study in the exciting world of NSA.*

Computer Science

Computer/Electrical Engineering

*By participating in the Stokes Educational Scholarship Program, you are agreeing to work for NSA for at least 1.5 times the length of study upon graduation.

Benefits

• Tuition and mandatory fees up to $30,000 per year
• Year-round salary while attending college
• Housing and travel entitlements during summer employment (if the distance between NSA and the school exceeds 75 miles)
• Paid time off / health & life insurance / federal retirement plan

Applications each year run from September 1st through October 31st

Minimum Qualifications

• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• You must be eligible to be granted a security clearance.
• Applicants should have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• You must be a high school senior at the time of application.
• You MUST be majoring in either Computer Science or Computer/Electrical Engineering.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, program requirements have changed. In lieu of SAT/ACT test scores and AP/IB exam scores, high school transcripts must show a minimum of one physics or calculus course, and a combination of two courses (minimum) of computer science, computer programming or engineering.
• You must submit your online application during the application period.

Application package requirements for the 2021 Stokes Educational Scholarship package are:

• Resume
• One-Page Essay: "Why I want a career at NSA"
• GPA minimum of 3.0 out of 4.0 scale (unweighted)
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in lieu of SAT/ACT test scores & AP/IB exam scores:
• High school/college transcripts must show a minimum of one physics or calculus course, and
• A combination of two courses (minimum) of computer science, computer programming or engineering
• Official Transcripts from high school (and college for consideration).
• Two letters of recommendation (both must be from teachers of technical courses who can attest to your academic ability)

Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizen
• 16 years of age
• Unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher
• High School seniors who will have completed AP/IB physics, AP/IB calculus, and either a computer science, computer programming, or engineering course by the completion of their senior year.
• Scored at least a 1200 on SAT or 25 ACT

Please note - The following documents need to be submitted with application:

• Resume
• Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation from a calculus, physics, computer science, or engineering teacher.
• One-page typewritten essay on "Why I am interested in STEM?"

Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S citizen
• Must be eligible to be granted a security clearance
• Must be a high school senior who will have completed an AP language course, in one of the qualified languages (or proctored examination results demonstrating equivalent) by completion of the senior year.
• Unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire
• Plan to pursue language studies after graduation

Forms to submit with application:

• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation. One must be from a language teacher
• Transcript

Positions are available based on requirements at each site. When applying, ensure the job opening is for your local site.

Administrative & Technical Students:

• Students who are enrolled in business courses (Microsoft Office Suite, Accounting, Business Management, Web Page Design and etc.). They will be required to perform basic administrative tasks - type, file, maintain records, answer phones and operate business equipment such as word processors and personal computers.

Computer Aide

• Students who are enrolled in computer or Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-focused courses (Computer Science, Java Visual Basics, Programming and etc.). They will be required to operate and/or maintain data processing equipment, often the most sophisticated equipment on the market.

Vocational Students:

• Mechanically skilled students that are willing to learn from subject matters experts in one of these related trades - machining, precision sheet metal, welding, woodworking, 3D printing, graphic design, sewing, and painting. Designed for high school students who are enrolled in either Printing/Graphic Arts or Manufacturing classes at a technical high school.

Vo-Tech

• Self-starter students with good interpersonal, teaming and industrial skills, as well as basic computer skills (e.g., e-mail, web browsers, Microsoft Office Suite). Students will be required to assist with operating and maintaining printing, binding, and packaging equipment; operating computer graphics software across various computer platforms/experience in Adobe Creative Suite; and operating industrial/production equipment, machinery, and tools such as die cutters, laminators, air compressors, and soldering equipment. It requires the individual to perform a wide variety of assembly line tasks requiring excellent eye to hand coordination in the production of electronic assemblies, electronic media and printed products. Designed for high school students who are enrolled in Printing/Graphic Arts at a technical high school.

Installation & Logistics

• Students who are mechanically inclined. They will be required to assist with installing and maintaining building architectural systems by building standard and executive style systems are repairing, altering or constructing replacement items from materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. Apply surface finish treatments such as painting or staining. Students may also perform sanitization, declassification, excess or destruction. Sanitize, declassify or destroy the material using common hand tools or devices such as hammermills, pulverizers, incinerators, degaussers, or paper pulping equipment. Dispose of material through donation, recycling, reutilization, or resale. Designed for high school students who are enrolled in Construction, Engineering, Project Management or Manufacturing at a technical high school.

Language Students:

• Students who are currently enrolled in advanced Chinese courses (Chinese 5 or higher). They will be required to use their Chinese language skills to perform daily duties. Students need to be excelling in their Chinese reading, writing and listening skills. In addition, students should be recommended by the school’s lead Chinese language instructors.

Russian

• Students who are currently enrolled in advanced Russian courses (Russian 4 or higher). They will be required to use their Russian language skills to perform daily duties. Students need to be excelling in both their Russian reading, writing and listening skills. In addition, students should be recommended by the school’s lead Russian language instructors.

Application Process:

Applications run from September 1st through October 31st

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be junior at local high school
• Must be 16 years old by December 31 of high school junior year
• Must be a United States Citizen
• Preferred unweighted 2.5 GPA
• Enrolled in at least two courses pertaining to desired position
• Reliable transportation
• Minimum 4 hours per day / 5 days a week (Monday-Friday)

Forms Needed

• Resume
• Transcript
• Student Evaluation
• Teacher Recommendation