NSA High School Work Study (HSWS) Program

Internship Title: High School Work Study (HSWS) Program

‍Organization: National Security Agency (NSA)

‍Location: Fort Meade, MD

‍Type: Paid

‍Eligibility: Must be a current high school junior, at least 16 years old by December 31, 2026, a U.S. citizen, and eligible to be granted a security clearance. Must reside within commuting distance of Fort Meade, MD and have reliable transportation. An unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred, and applicants must be enrolled in qualifying coursework (Business, Computers, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Chinese, or Farsi), completing at least two courses in their desired field by the end of junior year.

‍Application Deadline: Online applications and supporting materials are due by 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026

‍Program Dates: September through August of senior year; 4 hours per day, up to 32 hours per week, Monday–Friday

Overview

The HSWS Program places high school juniors into paid, part-time internships during their senior year, working in one of several tracks: Office Assistant, Computer Aide, Engineering Specialist, Chinese or Farsi language, or Intelligence Analysis Aide. Students earn approximately $15/hour, accrue paid annual and sick leave, and may be considered for permanent employment upon successfully completing the program. Placement into a specific track isn't guaranteed and is determined by the Program Manager based on application materials.

To apply, students should first check with their school's Work Experience Coordinator about their school's specific application process, then submit the online application along with a student evaluation form, official transcript, and resume via email to HSWS@uwe.nsa.gov by the deadline. Questions can be directed to NSA Washington's HSWS Office at (410) 854-4592.