• The program covers all academic levels.
• Students are employed in positions directly related to their educational program and career goals and are appointed as Student Trainees.
• Appointments may be made at any time during the year.
• A written agreement must be developed between NSF and the school, outlining the responsibilities of all parties.
• Student may attend school and work on parallel or alternating work schedules.
• Verification of student status is required before appointment and at the beginning of each new semester (i.e., transcript, report card, or proof of registration for the next semester).
• A break in school enrollment for one semester or 4 months may be granted at the supervisor’s discretion and with the institution’s approval.
• Students may be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment after graduation, providing they have worked at least 640 hours under the program, and meet all academic and position qualification requirements.
• Students are eligible for all civil service benefits.
• Appointments may be made at the GS-3 through GS-11 grade levels, depending on qualifications.

• Educational institutions.

To qualify, students must:

• Be enrolled in an accredited educational institution;
• Carry at least a half-time academic schedule;
• Maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5, on a 4.0 scale or C+;
• Be recommended for appointment by the school’s Cooperative Education Coordinator, Dean, academic program director, or other appropriate academic official;
• Maintain at least a fully satisfactory performance standard on the job;
• Be a citizen or national of the United States;
• Be at least 16 years of age; and,
• Meet experience or educational requirements for the position.

• The program covers all academic levels.
• Appointments may be made at any time during the year.
• Work schedules are usually part-time during the school year and full time during school vacation periods.
• Verification of student status is required before appointment and at the beginning of each new semester (i.e., transcript, report card, or proof of registration for the next semester).
• A break in school enrollment for one semester or 4 months may be granted at the supervisor’s discretion.
• Students may earn sick and annual leave, and may elect to enroll in the health benefits program after one year of continuous service.
• Students must be terminated from the program upon graduation.

• Educational institutions, state employment services.

To qualify, students must:

• Be enrolled in an accredited educational institution;
• Carry at least a half-time academic schedule;
• Maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0, on a 4.0 scale or a C+;
• Maintain at least a fully satisfactory performance standard on the job;
• Be a citizen or national of the United States; and,
• Be at least 16 years of age.