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Student Opportunities

Student Opportunities at NGA

NGA Student Internship Program updates for 2026

As the agency addresses workforce shaping initiatives, the Human Development Talent Acquisition Office and NGA executive leadership have made changes to student programs. Below are the updates for each program: 

Who Can Apply

NGA’s student internship programs are open to students at various stages of their education, and studying a variety of disciplines. 

  • Open to associate, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students.
  • Open to a large variety of degree fields, depending on the internship program.

What to Expect

Interns are guaranteed work that contributes to NGA's mission of creating worldclass geospatial intelligence. All interns will be assigned projects from their supervisor. At the end of the summer, interns will have the opportunity to participate in a forum and present their projects to the agency's top executives. 

Student Programs will also provide informational events, luncheons, tours and more.

If you are interested in applying, please click here to learn more about the security clearance process. 

Benefits

NGA's interns experience many of the benefits of our full-time employees:

  • paid sick and annual leave
  • onsite workout facility 
    • interns are able to participate in the Advantage Fitness Program for three billable hours a week 
  • flexible work schedule 
  • healthy work/life balance
  • potential to return next summer if intern receives a successful evaluation

Upon successful evaluation and mission need, there is a chance to 'convert' to full-time employement after graduation.

Summer 2025 NGA Student Programs Update

As NGA continues to address workforce shaping initiatives, the agency will adjust its approach to student programs for the upcoming summer season.

NGA Internship Opportunities

High School Internship Program

NGA is divesting the high school internship program and will not post future announcements. 

College Internship Program

NGA will continue to welcome back returning college interns, as well as interns selected for 2025 that were eligible for deferment. If needed, limited Assignment Opportunity Notices will be posted to fill mission critical skill gaps.  

GEO & Stokes Scholars

NGA is suspending the GEO and Stokes scholars’ program and will not be opening any future announcements. GEO and Stokes scholars currently in the program will continue their academic pursuit and onboard as permanent employees upon graduation. 

Department of Defense Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholars

NGA will continue to select and sponsor DOD SMART scholars. The application period for DOD SMART runs annually from August to December and can be found on the DOD Smart website here  .  

For more information on student programs, please direct your question to StudentPrograms@nga.mil