Volunteer Student Internship Program Fact Sheet

1. Human Resources Directorate Personnel Services Division Special Employment Programs Volunteer Student Internship Program Fact Sheet • This Fact Sheet Provides Information On: • Background • Program Basics • Educational Experience for Student • Uncompensated • Not to be used to displace a current employee OR staff a position which is a normal part of the workforce • FAQs • Contact Information • Ms. Cathy Watkins • Branch Chief, Special Employment • Programs • (571) 372-4116 • Ms. Jen Colton • Interns & Recent Graduates/Volunteer Student Intern Program • (571) 372-4059 • Ms. Amanda Cogan • Presidential Management Fellows • (571) 372-4058 • Mr. ST Pettiford • Veterans & Persons with Disabilities • (571) 372-4060 • whs.pentagon.hrd.mbx.sep-team@mail.mil • Background: • Authority to accept volunteer service from student interns is authorized under 5 CFR PART 308 – Volunteer Service, and Title 5 United States Code 3111. • The Department of Defense (DoD) offers volunteer opportunities to students in high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, and university. These opportunities provide academically related experiences while allowing students to explore career options and develop personal and professional skills. Students who volunteer are exposed to the DoD environment and learn about its missions and responsibilities. • Volunteer Student Internship Basics: • Educational experience for the student volunteer. • Volunteer student interns are not compensated. • Volunteer student interns must commit to at least • six weeks of service. • University can choose to use volunteer internship as college credit. • Most positions require a clearance and drug testing. • Volunteer student interns are not authorized job-related travel. • Volunteer student interns are not eligible for monetary awards of any kind. • Volunteer student interns are not eligible for Mass Transit and other benefits. Aug 2013 1

2. Special Employment Programs Volunteer Student Internship Program Fact Sheet • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): • What happens when I apply? • Special Employment Programs (SEP) maintains a resume repository of candidates who are forwarded to managers when a request for interns is made. Our office also utilizes educational institution job boards and USAJOBs for position identification and application intake. • What are the eligibility requirements? • Must be at least 16 years of age. • Enrolled, at least half-time, in one of the following: an accredited high school/trade school; a • technical/vocational school; a junior/community college; a four-year college/university; or, any other • accredited educational institution. • Must be a U.S. citizen. • Must be able to successfully complete a security investigation. • What are the cycles for application intake for the Volunteer Student Internship candidates? • Fall dates, September through December; recommended date for application: Mid-May • Spring dates, January through May; recommended date for application: Early August • Summer dates, May through August; recommended date for application: Early January • What type of clearance is required for student volunteer positions? • WHS will provide up to SECRET level. • What is the current application process for potential student volunteers? • Applications must be sent to special employment programs. All applicants are required to submit: • A letter from the academic institution's counselor/advisor in support of the internship. • An official academic transcript. • A current resume (no special format required). • A cover letter identifying yourself as an applicant for the Volunteer Student Intern Program. • What is a typical schedule for a volunteer student intern? • Required to commit to 6 weeks. • Volunteer schedules for students vary. • May volunteer alternating schedule, three to four months on the job, and then return to school • the following semester, quarter, or term. • May choose to volunteer part-time and attend school during the regular school year or during the • summer or other school vacation periods. Contact WHS/HRD Special Employment Programs at whs.pentagon.hrd.mbx.sep-team@mail.mil 2