Pathways Internship Program
Looking for opportunities to work (and get paid) in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school? This may be the pathway for you!
Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates to Federal Careers replaces the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment (STEP). This Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.
Questions about the Pathways Internship Program or application process should be directed to the Wright-Patterson Student Employment Office at 937.257.3391.
Eligibility
- You must be a current student in an accredited high school, college (including 4 year colleges/ universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.
- Enrollment must be at least half-time as defined by the academic institution.
- Must be in good academic standing (on less than 2.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale).
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Must be U.S. citizen or a U.S. national (i.e. resident of American Samoa or Swains Island). Non-citizens may be eligible for employment if permitted by the DoD Appropriation Act or eligible to work under U.S. immigration laws. NOTE: U.S. citizenship is a requirement for a noncompetitive conversion to a permanent or term appointment with the Department of the Air Force.
Program Administration
- Agencies may hire Interns on a temporary basis for up to one year for an initial period, or for an indefinite period, to complete the educational requirement.
- Interns may work full or part-time.
- Each agency must sign a Participant Agreement with the Intern that sets forth the expectations for the internship.
- Intern’s job may be related to the Intern’s academic career goals or field of study unless positive education requirement (biologist, geologist, engineering, nurses).
Program Completion and Conversion
Interns may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, to a term appointment lasting 1-4 years) within 120 days of successful completion of the program.
To be eligible for conversion, Interns must accomplish all of the following:
- Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program
- Complete their degree or certificate requirements
- Meet the qualifications standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted
- Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the Participant’s Agreement,
- Perform their job successfully
To apply for a job, follow these steps:
- Create an account on USA Jobs at http://www.usajobs.gov.
- Upload an updated resume or create a resume using the USA Jobs Resume Builder. (Tutorials are available under the Resource Center tab on the USA Jobs website.)
- Search for jobs in the desired duty location using keywords such as “Pathways”, “Intern,” or “Student Trainee”.
- Once a position has been found, carefully follow the instructions in the “How to Apply” section of the job announcement. Be sure to submit any additional documentation to verify your qualifications such as proof of enrollment, class schedules, transcripts, and/or veteran’s preference documentation such as form DD-214.
| Current Vacancies: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Budget Assistant | Mathematics/Statistics | Bio Science |
| Contract Management/Procurement | Firefighting | Physical Science |
| Engineering | Plumber Helper | Model Maker |
| Clerical/Administrative | Information Technology | Social Science |