NGA currently has two student programs that offer valuable experience for qualified students:

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

In this program, you alternate semesters or quarters of full-time work with full-time study. Your work assignment will be made individually, depending on your interests, abilities, and the needs of NGA. Your college must enter into an agreement with NGA to provide appropriate faculty and administrative support for the program.

As a SCEP student, depending on your year in study, your salary may range from $17,000 to the low-$30,000s per year. You will be carried on a leave-without-pay status during periods when you are in full-time study.

You will be eligible for Federal life insurance, health benefits, and retirement programs. You may also be able to receive tuition assistance.

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

The Student Temporary Employment Program affords an excellent opportunity to get real-life work experience and earn money during your summer breaks.

Your assignments and work periods will be determined by you and your management. Depending on your year in study, your salary may range from $17,000 to the low-$30,000s per year. During periods when you are working, you will be eligible for holidays, overtime pay, annual leave, and sick leave. You will be carried on a leave-without-pay status and will not receive these benefits during periods when you are not working.

In the STEP, you may be able to receive tuition assistance, but you will not be eligible for Federal life insurance, health benefits, retirement, or automatic conversion to regular employment at NGA.

Eligibility Requirements

For either the Student Career Experience Program or the Student Temporary Employment Program, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Be working toward a degree in an academic discipline related to NGA’s mission. Examples of such disciplines include Astronomy, Cartography, Computer Science, Cultural Area Studies, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geodesy, Geography (Physical, Political, Demographic, or Regional), Geology, Geophysics, Hydrology, Imagery Science, International Affairs, Marine Science, Meteorology, Photogrammetry, Physical Science, Remote Sensing, Business, Finance and Accounting.
• Be eligible for a security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information. You will be tested for illegal drug use and your immediate family members must be U.S. citizens.
• Be a second semester freshman or sophomore.
• Maintain a 3.0 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Mandatory Qualification Criteria:

To finalize the application process you must submit the following materials to StudentPrograms@nga.mil.  These materials must be received within one week of the eRecruit application.  If not received within this timeframe, the application will be disqualified and not considered for employment.

1. A cover letter indicating the program to which you are applying and your desired area of interest (i.e., Financial Management, Intelligence Analysis, Human Resources, etc.).
2. A copy of your college transcripts,
3. A writing sample no longer than two pages, and
4. A written recommendation from an academic advisor or professor assessing your potential for the type of work for which you are being considered, and the coursework needed for graduation.

Use this link to apply on-line to one of NGA's student programs via eRecruit during the open application period.

Additional Information Requirements for Students

Applications are accepted from July 1st through November 1st only, and must be submitted online via eRecruit. 

Hours of Operation: NGA's eRecruit system is not available due to site maintenance during the following times: