Do you aspire to a career in the vital field of national security? Interested in a scholarship program that includes paid internship opportunities in the defense and intelligence industries, as well as assistance with obtaining a national security clearance? The National Security Scholars Program (NSSP), now in its 16th year, has awarded more than $2.75m in scholarships to hundreds of eligible college and university students. You could be one of them. But don’t wait – the application deadline is October 3. To get started, contact Kim Wittler at the Capitol College financial aid office, or Melinda Bunnell-Rhyne, dean of Student life.
As part of the application process, you’ll need to provide a current resume, at least two letters of recommendation, and a certified transcript. Also required is a 300-500 word essay on one of three selected topics. Details about the application process can be found here.
NSSP partners include Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, CSC, Exceptional Software Strategies, Inc., Leidos, Lockheed Martin, the National Security Agency, Raytheon, and TechUSA. All partners provide a minimum contribution of $20,000 to the program.
Partners participate in the selection of NSSP Scholars and may employ at least one intern who has received national security clearance from the National Security Administration.
Students selected to participate in the program may receive the following benefits:
- Scholarship award;
- Paid summer internship in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area with a program Partner;
- Assistance with processing an application for a national security clearance; and
- Unique opportunities to explore a future in the national security field and obtain employment leads with the I-Fund’s national security industry Partners.
To be eligible to participate in the program, a student must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application, attend an I-Fund member college or university, and not have advanced beyond the level of Junior by the application deadline (October 3, 2014).
In addition, qualifying students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, have earned at least 24 credit hours at the time of application, and be available for an in-person interview on November 7 or 8, 2014. Successful candidates must also agree to complete a summer internship prior to graduating.