High School Work Study Program - Hawaii

About the Program

The National Security Agency's (NSA) High School Work Study (HSWS) Program is a highly competitive, paid part-time internship designed for high school students during their senior year. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience from August to July in business, computer, Chinese language, and intelligence analysis, with the potential for permanent employment upon successful completion. Program is Subject to Change.

Available Positions (Oahu Only)

Students interested in this program must reside within commuting distance of Hawai'i. Applicants are not guaranteed placement in their selected area; the HSWS Program Manager will make the final determination based on application materials.

• Office Assistant: Type, file, maintain records, answer phones, and operate business equipment such as word processors and personal computers. Requires a minimum of one business or non-technical computer course (e.g., Microsoft Applications, Keyboarding, Software Applications, Advanced Applications, Computer Skills for Academic Success) by the end of junior year.
• Computer Aide: Operate sophisticated data processing equipment. Geared toward students in STEM-focused courses or those who have completed a minimum of two technical computer courses (e.g., Computer Science, Visual Basic, Java, Web Page Design, Intro to Engineering, Programming C++) by the end of junior year.
• Chinese Language: Use Chinese language skills to perform daily duties and support mission activities. Requires current enrollment in advanced Chinese courses (Chinese 2 or higher), excelling in reading, writing, and listening skills, and recommendation from the school's lead Chinese language instructor(s).
• Intelligence Analysis Aide: Use writing and critical thinking skills to transform foreign intelligence and cybersecurity information into critical reports. Requires enrollment in at least one advanced English course and at least one advanced humanities course (e.g., government, history), plus completion of at least two business or technical computer courses.

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 complete a minimum of one Business course, one Technical Computer course, two Chinese language courses, or one AP English Course and AP Humanities Course 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++; preferred Language courses: Intermediate Chinese or above.) Applicants who have not completed one of these courses will not be considered.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

• Grade & Pay: All work studies are Grade 01 Step 01, making approximately $15.00 per hour (in Hawai'i). Hawai'i students may earn a Cost of Living Adjustment of approximately 9% of their base pay (subject to change each year).
• Leave: Earn Annual Leave and Sick Leave at a rate of one hour of each for every twenty hours worked.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, with report times between 7:00 am and 12:30 pm and core work hours from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Students must work a minimum of 40 hours every 2 weeks, with a maximum of 32 hours per week.

How to Apply

External online applications must be submitted by 30 September. Applications received after the deadline or incomplete packets will not be considered. Selections are made on a rolling basis; early application is encouraged to allow sufficient time for review and security clearance processing.

Students must also submit the following materials via email to NSAH-Recruitment@uwe.nsa.gov by 30 September:

• One Student Evaluation form (request via email).
• Official transcript from High School, including junior year work in progress courses for both first and second semester (unofficial transcripts also allowed).
• Resume, including relevant courses completed or in progress and the position (Office Assistant, Computer Aide, Chinese Language, Intelligence Analysis Aide) to which you are applying.

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. For specific questions, call NSA Hawai'i Recruitment at (808) 364-3068.