High School Work Study Program - Colorado

About the Program

The National Security Agency's (NSA) High School Work Study (HSWS) Program is a highly competitive, paid part-time internship for high school students during their senior year. Students gain hands-on work experience in business and computers from September through August, working 4 hours per day/20 hours per week, Monday–Friday. The program includes a security clearance, part-time salary, paid leave, and the opportunity for permanent employment upon successful completion.

Qualifications

• Must be a high school junior
• Must be 16 years of age by 31 December 2026
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be eligible to be granted a Security Clearance
• Unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must reside within commuting distance of Colorado locations (positions available at Buckley Space Force Base, CO only)
• Must complete at least two Business or Technical Computer courses prior to the completion of the junior year:
  • Preferred Business courses: Microsoft Applications, Keyboarding, Software Applications, Advanced Applications, Computer Skills for Academic Success
  • Preferred Technical Computer courses: Computer Science, Visual Basic, Java, Web Page Design, Intro to Engineering, Programming C++
• Applicants who have not completed two of these courses will not be considered

Available Positions

Office Assistant: Type, file, maintain records, answer phones, and operate business equipment such as word processors and personal computers. Must complete a minimum of two business or non-technical computer courses prior to completion of junior year (verified on transcript).

Computer Aide: Operate data processing equipment. Geared toward students in STEM-focused courses or those who have completed a minimum of two technical computer courses (such as Computer Science, Visual Basic, Java, Web Page Design, Intro to Engineering, Programming C++) by the end of junior year (verified on transcript).

Note: Applicants are not guaranteed placement in their selected position. The HSWS Program Manager reviews application materials (resume and transcript) and makes the final determination based on the applicant's skills.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

• Grade 01 Step 01 scale; approximately $15.00 per hour (in Colorado)
• Annual Leave and Sick Leave earned at a rate of one hour of each for every twenty hours worked
• Monday–Friday work schedule
• Must work a minimum of 4 hours each day, 5 days per week
• Report times between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; core work hours 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Maximum 32 hours per week; minimum 20 hours per week

Application Requirements

Deadline: Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on September 30, 2026. Applications received after the deadline or incomplete packets will not be considered.

Submit the following materials via email to NSAC_HSWS@uwe.nsa.gov by the deadline:

• One Student Evaluation form (request by emailing NSAC_HSWS@uwe.nsa.gov)
• Official high school transcript (must include junior year work in progress courses for both first and second semester)
• Resume (must include relevant courses completed or in progress and the position you are applying for: Office Assistant or Computer Aide)

Early Acceptance Incentive: Applications are accepted September 1–30, but selections are made on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as practical to allow sufficient time for review and security clearance processing.

To apply, click the 'Apply' button at the top right of the posting. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email. Ensure your spam filters accept emails from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov.

NSA Colorado's HR Office can be contacted at 303-677-1345.