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• Want to learn more about the US Department of Homeland Security and the research the agency and component agencies do to enhance your research interests and career goals?
• Interested in learning from top scientists and subject matter experts in homeland security related areas?
• Seeking to network with your peers and members of the academic and scientific communities in government facilities conducting research in DHS relevant areas?

If you answered “Yes”, to the above questions, the HS-POWER program is for you!

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate Office of University Programs sponsors the Professional Opportunities for Student Workforce to Experience Research (HS-POWER) Program for undergraduate and graduate students. HS-POWER is open to students majoring in a broad spectrum of homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines as well as DHS mission-relevant research areas which includes social sciences. As a participant in the HS-POWER Program, you will participate in quality research experiences with federal research facilities and other DHS-STEM focused entities nationwide. You will establish connections with DHS professionals that facilitate long-term relationships between yourself, researchers, DHS personnel and research facilities, giving you a competitive edge as you move forward toward your career.

Benefits

• Stipend: Undergraduate students receive $750 per week and graduate students will receive $950 per week.
• Travel: A total of $1,000 travel reimbursement for inbound and outbound expenses for participants who live more than fifty miles, one-way, from the assigned hosting site, and who are paying for housing onsite is available.
• Housing Allowance: A housing allowance of $400/week is provided to participants whose home of record is more than fifty miles, one-way, from their assigned hosting facility, move onsite for the duration of their appointment, and are paying for housing while onsite. Alternatively, for those whose appointment is 100% virtual, a $50 virtual allowance will be added.

Appointment Details

• Appointments will be for 10 consecutive weeks during the months of May-July. Factors such as class schedules, housing availability and facility schedules may be taken into consideration when determining appointment start and end dates.
• Interns will be assigned to research projects and/or other technical activities under the guidance of a DHS mentor.
• An appointment involves a daily, on-site, or virtual commitment as defined by the assigned mentor at the host facility with the HS-POWER participant in residence at the specified location. Virtual appointments may be available for some appointments.
• HS-POWER participants are required to have health insurance coverage during the appointment period and to provide proof of this coverage prior to the start of the appointment.

Nature of Appointment

Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DHS, or the hosting facility. Instead, participants will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE Letter of Appointment and Terms of Appointment.

How to Apply

A completed application consists of:

• A completed Zintellect Profile
• A completed Application which contains:

1. An Interest Essay:

The essay includes questions specific to the program addressing each of the following topics:

• Personal Motivation for applying
• Career Goals
• Research Interests and Relevance to DHS Research Areas

2. Transcripts/Academic Records:

• Unofficial transcripts or copies of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted with the application.
  • Transcripts/Academic records must include name of the academic institution, name of the student, completed/in progress coursework and grades. Documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.
• Copies of official transcripts will be required if an appointment is offered.

3. Letters of Recommendation:

You are required to request recommendations from a professional who can speak to your academic record and potential for success in an appointment as indicated by academic accomplishments, as well as communication and teamwork skills. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Recommendations are due no later than December 23, 2024, by 11:59pmEST (late recommendations will not be accepted and your application will not be considered).

• Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted. 
• You are solely responsible for following up with your recommenders to ensure timely completion.

All documents must be submitted via Zintellect. All application components must be received in the system to be considered. For more information, contact us at dhsed@orau.org. 

Connect with ORISE...on the GO!  Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

To be considered, applicants must meet each of the following criteria:

• Be a United States (U.S.) citizen as of the application deadline. Evidence of U.S. citizenship must be submitted to ORISE at the time appointment is accepted.
• Be 18 years of age or older by desired start date.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale at the time of application.
• Be majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field which includes social sciences, with interest in homeland security research as described in the DHS Research Areas.
• Be interested in pursuing long-term career goals aligned with the DHS mission and objectives.
• Can obtain and maintain the required security clearance to access hosting facility.
• Meet one of the following conditions:
  • Full-time enrollment as a freshman, sophomore or junior undergraduate student at a U.S. accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university during the 2024-2025 academic year.
  • Full-time enrollment as a senior undergraduate student at a U.S. accredited 4-year college or university during the 2024-2025 academic year and plans to be enrolled as a graduate student at a U.S. accredited college or university for Fall 2025 as evidenced by proof of submission of an application to graduate school.
  • Full-time enrollment as a graduate student at a U.S. accredited college or university during the 2024-2025 academic year, and plan to continue enrollment in Fall 2025.

Additional Information

• For students enrolled at a 2-year institution during the 2024-2025 academic year: Internship assignment is contingent on the student providing proof of application to a 4-year institution at the time appointment is accepted. Proof of enrollment in the 4-year institution for fall 2025 will be required upon appointment.
• For undergraduate seniors graduating in spring or summer 2025: Internship assignment is contingent on the student providing proof of application to an accredited graduate institution at the time appointment is accepted. 
• Graduate students with an expected graduation date prior to the Summer 2025 term are not eligible to participate.
• Students must demonstrate interest in research and development of innovative, next-generation homeland security solutions with potential for broad impact that align with the DHS mission to safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.
• Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated history of work, undergraduate research experience, or service learning/volunteer roles.

Important Information

• Preference will be given to applicants who are:
  • Veterans and Disabled Veterans
  • Underrepresented minorities in STEM
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Persons possessing a suitability or security clearance within the last five years.

Employees of DHS Component agencies or participating partner agencies are not eligible to participate in this program.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (10 )
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (6 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )
• Age: Must be 18 years old by 6/1/2025
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).