Fairmont State GeoSavvy Guide: Internships and Scholarships

Geospatial skills are in high demand across all sectors of the workforce, from state, local and federal government, to NGOs, businesses, and consulting firms large and small. So where do you start? - AAG.org 

Internships

January

National Park Service GIS Internship Program (Federal)

• Description: Provides GIS support for park management operations.
• Deadline: Applications typically open in January.
• Link: NPS GIS Internship Program

NASA DEVELOP Program (Federal)

• Description: Provides participants with the opportunity to work on Earth science research projects addressing environmental and policy concerns.
• Deadline: Typically early January.
• Link: NASA DEVELOP

March

The Carter Center Internship Program (Non-Profit)

• Description: Provides diverse internship opportunities in public policy and international affairs.
• Deadline: March 1 for summer internships.
• Link: The Carter Center Internships

U.S. Department of State Internships (Federal)

• Description: Offers internships in various fields, including geography and international relations.
• Deadline: March 2 for summer internships.
• Link: U.S. Department of State Internships

April

SEG EVOLVE Program (Industry)

• Description: A mentor-guided virtual internship focusing on subsurface characterization and carbon solutions.
• Deadline: Typically mid-April.
• Link: SEG EVOLVE

May

American Geographical Society (AGS) Scholar-Internship (Non-Profit)

• Description: Offers internships in geography, geospatial analysis, GIS, and related fields.
• Deadline: Applications for Fall internships are typically due in May.
• Link: AGS Scholar-Internship

July

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Internships (Federal)

• Description: Offers internships for students at various educational levels in disciplines related to geospatial intelligence.
• Deadline: Applications for the following summer are typically due in July.
• Link: NGA Student Opportunities

November

NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) (Federal)

• Description: An 8-week summer internship in Earth system science for advanced undergraduates.
• Deadline: Typically November 15.
• Link: NASA SARP

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP) (Federal)

• Description: A special hiring program aimed at diversifying the FWS workforce through summer fellowships.
• Deadline: Typically November 15.
• Link: FWS DFP

Scholarships

January

• NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship (Federal)
  • Description: Provides academic assistance and a paid summer internship at NOAA facilities.
  • Deadline: Typically closes in January.
  • Link: NOAA Hollings Scholarship

February

• American Meteorological Society (AMS) Minority Scholarship (Non-Profit)
  • Description: Awards funding to minority students traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, especially Hispanic, Black, and Native American students.
  • Deadline: Typically in February.
  • Link: AMS Minority Scholarship

September

• U.S. Department of Energy Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) (Federal)
  • Description: Offers research experience in fossil energy for STEM students.
  • Deadline: Typically September 30.
  • Link: MLEF Program

December

• DOD SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program (Federal)
  • Description: Provides STEM students with educational opportunities and hands-on research experience with the Department of Defense.
  • Deadline: Typically December 1.
  • Link: SMART Scholarship

U.S. Federal Pathways Programs

The Pathways Programs offer students and recent graduates opportunities to explore federal careers through internships and entry-level positions across various federal agencies. Below is an overview of these programs, along with guidance on finding specific opportunities and their deadlines.

Pathways Programs Overview:

1. Internship Program: Provides paid opportunities for current students in high school, college, trade school, or other qualifying educational institutions to work in federal agencies and explore federal careers while completing their education. Interns may be eligible for conversion to a permanent position upon successful completion of the program.

   Office of Personnel Management

2. Recent Graduates Program: Offers developmental experiences in federal agencies for individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Participants receive training and mentorship and may be eligible for conversion to a permanent position after successful completion of the program.

   Office of Personnel Management

3. Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program: A leadership development program for advanced degree candidates and recent graduates, focusing on developing future government leaders. The program includes training, mentorship, and rotational assignments.

   Office of Personnel Management

Application Timelines and Agency Participation:

Application deadlines for Pathways Programs vary by agency and specific positions. Many federal agencies participate in these programs, including but not limited to:

• Department of State
• Department of the Interior
• Department of Energy
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• National Park Service (NPS)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
• U.S. Census Bureau

Finding Specific Opportunities and Deadlines:

To find current Pathways Programs opportunities and their respective deadlines:

1. Visit USAJOBS: This is the federal government's official employment site.

2. Search for Pathways Positions: Enter keywords such as "Pathways Internship," "Recent Graduates," or "Presidential Management Fellows" in the search bar.

3. Filter by Agency: Use the filters to narrow down opportunities by specific agencies of interest.

4. Review Job Announcements: Each listing will provide details about the position, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.

Additional Resources:

• OPM's Students & Recent Graduates Page: Offers comprehensive information about the Pathways Programs, including eligibility criteria and application tips.

  Office of Personnel Management

• Agency Career Pages: Many agencies have dedicated career pages with information on their specific Pathways opportunities.