NORAD & USNORTHCOM Volunteer Student Internship Program

The NORAD and USNORTHCOM Volunteer Student Internship Program (N&NC VSIP) is part of a larger effort by N&NC to help cultivate future generations of defense and security practitioners. N&NC VSIP provides students exposure to N&NC missions and responsibilities, while working alongside current military and civilian professionals dedicated to the defense of North America. 

Participants in N&NC VSIP gain valuable hands-on experience related to their education endeavors while working in a joint, interagency and international environment at N&NC headquarters. Students may potentially earn academic credit for the work performed and those that qualify may receive a Department of Defense secret clearance.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be enrolled, at least half-time, in an accredited graduate educational institution degree program, Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) program, or service academy

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

  • Be available to work a minimum of 9 weeks in the program (work schedules vary)

  • Be a U.S. citizen and able to successfully complete a background security investigation

 

Program Timelines

The VSIP is an annual program. As such, there are specific deadlines for submitting applications. The application window for internship appointment will open three times per year.

 

Spring:

Internships posted: April - July

Candidates selected/notified:  August/September

Internship dates: January - March

 

Summer:

Internships posted: August - November

Candidates selected/notified: December/January

Internship dates: May/June - July/August

 

Fall:

Internships posted: December - March

Candidates selected/notified: April/May

Internship dates: September/October - November/December

 

Application Package Requirements

  • N&NC VSIP Application [PDF]

  • Review of the Command and Staff Structure [PDF]

  • Current professional/academic resume with anticipated graduation date

  • Cover letter identifying student as a VSIP applicant along with the student's career area of interest

  • Unofficial transcripts with courses, grades and GPA

  • Educational Institution Acknowledgement Letter [PDF]

 

To apply, email the above documents in PDF format to the N&NC VSIP Administrative section at n-nc.peterson.n-ncj7.mbx.j72-internship-omb@mail.mil.

 

Points of Contact

Samantha Twiggs, N&NC VSIP Coordinator

Email: n-nc.peterson.n-ncj7.mbx.j72-internship-omb@mail.mil

Phone:  719-554-6357

 

Useful Resources

USNORTHCOM Website: http://www.northcom.mil/

NORAD Website: http://www.norad.mil/

 

It should be noted that, under 5 U.S.C 3111, a student volunteer is not a federal employee for any purposes other than injury compensation and law related to the Tort Claims Act. Student participation in the program is on a voluntary basis, and there is no remuneration or other employee benefits provided. N&NC does not provide housing assistance or support. Volunteer service is not credible for leave or any other employee benefits or monetary compensation.