Space Force Internships: Requirements and Opportunities
The United States Space Force offers various internship programs designed to attract and develop talented individuals. These internships cater to students and recent graduates interested in contributing to the space domain, whether through military service or civilian roles. These programs provide hands-on experience, training, and opportunities for career advancement within the Space Force and related organizations.
Pathways to the Space Force: Enlisted, Officer, and Civilian Routes
Regardless of whether an individual chooses to enlist, pursue a commission, or become a civilian, the Space Force provides exclusive programs to develop skills and advance careers. These pathways offer distinct opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds and career aspirations to contribute to the Space Force mission.
Internship Opportunities in the Space Force
The Space Force offers full-time paid internships for students currently attending college or who have recently graduated. These internships provide hands-on training and available tuition assistance. As a paid, full-time intern, individuals work in a collaborative workplace that values professional growth and experience. Interns may be eligible for tuition assistance, student loan repayment, paid post-graduate studies, an attractive sign-on bonus for certain positions, as well as competitive compensation and other generous perks like federal health insurance, federal retirement benefits, and paid federal holidays. Upon completion of an internship, individuals may qualify for a permanent, full-time position supporting the warfighter by ensuring the Department of the Air Force is lethal and mission-ready.
National Space Intern Program
The Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT) initiative, through the Space Foundation, collaborates with the broader space community and the next generation of leaders, proving that strong communication is just as critical to the future of space as science and engineering.
SWFT is a coalition of leading companies committed to expanding and diversifying opportunities for talent in the space industry, believing that great space employees start as great space interns. Recruiters from the member companies will review resumes and contact candidates with questions or next steps. A standard summer internship with member companies lasts approximately 10 weeks. Registration opens September 1. The program partners with leading academic institutions and other organizations to continuously improve the National Space Intern program.
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Premier College Internship Program (PCIP)
The Premier College Internship Program (PCIP) is designed to attract degree-seeking college students currently enrolled full-time, in good academic standing, and interested in civilian employment opportunities. Sustained by recruiting and selecting high-caliber candidates to train them to become competent, effective, and productive employees, the PCIP provides training and developmental opportunities necessary to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities predictive of successful performance. The paid 12-week internship at either a General Schedule GS-04 or GS-05 pay scale, occurs during the summer following their junior year (before heading into senior year). Upon graduation (and completion of all degree requirements), an intern may be converted into a developmental position without further competition. Opportunities are in career fields such as Financial Management, Engineering, Program Management, Logistics, Human Resources, Contracting, and more.
Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program
Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) provides students within the fields of Science, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) the tools to improve their education and land a promising career with the Space Force. With full-time scholarships available, SMART students can focus on their needed research to advance in their career as a civilian employee.
Civilian Career Development Programs
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) provides much of the muscle behind the might of the Department of the Air Force (DAF). It launches rockets, oversees and maintains the nation’s constellation of Global Positioning Satellites (GPS), guards the country from cyberattacks, and does whatever it takes to maintain the supremacy of the Air Force and Space Force in air, space, and cyberspace. Behind every mission, every milestone, every Airman, and every Guardian, there’s someone like you. As an AFCS Intern, you’ll work side by side with men and women in uniform and civilians, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the field of your choosing, while playing a critical role supporting warfighters by ensuring the military remains mission-ready. This experience equips individuals with the insight, know-how, and ability needed to succeed and excel in the future.
Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC)
The Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) is a new ROTC-type program for civilians wishing to work for the Space Force but not in a military capacity following completion of college. The DCTC program operates through collaboration between the DoD and academia. Currently there are partnerships with four universities (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Purdue University, The University of Arizona, and Virginia Tech University). With partnerships with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and other DoD organizations, DCTC is able to provide scholars with student internships, DoD challenge projects, and future DoD employment.
University Partnership Program (UPP)
The Space Force established the University Partnership Program (UPP) to recruit, educate, and develop competent and diverse Guardians and engage in research and technology to secure the nation’s interests and maintain its advantage in space. The UPP has four specific objectives; establish opportunities, pursue research, establish scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities, and recruit. Currently, the UPP has partnerships with 14 universities (Arizona State University, Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Howard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Purdue University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, University of North Dakota, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Texas at El Paso). The UPP’s objective with these strategic partnerships is to create opportunities for advanced academic degrees (AAD) and workforce development for all Guardians (officer, enlisted, and civilian).
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Palace Acquire (PAQ) Program
The Palace Acquire (PAQ) Program attracts high-caliber men and women to careers as federal employees with the Air Force Civilian Service. It recruits and selects talented candidates and trains them to become competent, effective, and productive employees. The program provides the training and developmental opportunities necessary to gain the knowledge, skills and abilities predictive of successful performance. This is a two- or three-year developmental program. Participants are hired at the GS-07 or GS-09 grade and earn yearly promotions as they complete the training objectives in their development plan and receive their supervisor’s approval. PAQ applications are accepted starting in May through June each year. The Palace Acquire (PAQ) Program is a full-time, two- to four-year paid training program for graduates interested in positions within Special Investigations, Operations, Intel, Financial Management or Science and Engineering. Candidates must have earned one of the following within the past two years: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate or technical degree; vocational degree or certificate.
Copper Cap (COP) Program
The Copper Cap (COP) Program is designed for aspiring Contract Specialists with hands-on training that covers every facet of managing contracts, including requirements definition, market research, price justification, solicitation preparation, negotiation and award, and contract administration.
Civilian Leadership Development School
The Civilian Leadership Development School is a selective program that provides professional development opportunities for civilian Space Force personnel. Training is provided in focused self-competencies, to target audience training, to workshops and self-paced learning.
Civilian Associate Degree Program
The Civilian Associate Degree Program provides an opportunity for civilians who have never been awarded an associate’s degree or higher an opportunity to improve their skills in areas critical for the work center, such as team building, problem solving, followership, leadership, conflict resolution, and professionalism in the Department of the Air Force.
Civilian Tuition Assistance Program (CTAP)
The Civilian Tuition Assistance Program (CTAP) is available for all permanent and full-time Appropriated Fund or APF (General Schedule and Wage Grade) employees with an acceptable performance appraisal. CTAP supports a degree plan above the employee’s highest achieved education level. CTAP provides up to 75% (100% for PAQs) tuition, laboratory and other instructional fees required as a condition of enrollment not to exceed $250 per semester hour or $166 per quarter hour and will be limited to $4,500 per fiscal year.
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Continuing Education and Scholarship Programs for Guardians
The Space Force supports the continuing education of its Guardians through various programs, including tuition assistance, scholarships, and credentialing opportunities.
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
When individuals join the Space Force through the enlisted route, they are automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Beginning in basic training, they earn credits toward a degree program with CCAF. Through a unique combination of on-duty training and voluntary off-duty courses, individuals have the opportunity to work toward an associate degree in applied science in career areas such as: Intelligence Studies and Technology, Cybersecurity, and Air and Space Operations Technology. With the college credit earned through the CCAF, individuals are able to apply it even further toward their higher education goals, like a bachelor’s degree.
Voluntary Education Program
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Voluntary Education Program supports Guardians by maintaining a highly educated force. The program supports off-duty voluntary education goals such as the pursuit of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees through tuition assistance. Furthermore, the program supports credentialing through the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-line (AF COOL) program.
Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA)
The Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA) program helps enlisted and officers on active duty pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. The program pays tuition costs of up to $250 per semester hour or $166 per quarter hour for college tuition, with a fiscal year cap of $4,500.
Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-line Program (AFCOOL)
The Air Force Voluntary Credentialing Opportunities On-line (AFCOOL) program provides Guardians with the opportunity to obtain and maintain professional certifications (within their career field, leadership and special interest) to improve force readiness. It provides members with expanded professional skills and competencies while in the Space Force as well as prepares them for their post-military civilian careers.
Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP)
Enlisted Guardians may apply for the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP). Those selected temporarily separate from active duty Space Force to join ROTC and become a full-time student at a participating college. Participants receive tuition and fees scholarships for up to $15,000 per year and a textbook allowance of $600 per year.
Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen and Guardians (SOAR)
The Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen and Guardians (SOAR) allocates scholarship quotas to Air Force Major Command and Space Force Field Command and direct-reporting units for outstanding Airmen and Guardians. If qualified and selected, Airmen and Guardians receive scholarships to a college or university offering AFROTC for a period ranging from two (2) to four (4) years. Commanders are encouraged to seek out their strongest performers with exceptional potential, motivating them to complete college degrees and be commissioned through AFROTC.
Air Force Academy and Preparatory School
Each year, unit and delta commanders nominate highly qualified, enlisted Guardians who exhibit officer potential for consideration of appointment into one of the available seats for the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and Air Force Academy. The Academy Prep School is a 10-month program designed to prepare candidates for the Academy. The prestigious Air Force Academy gives students a world-class education free of cost in exchange for their continued service in the Space Force.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Eligible Guardians can receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Space Force through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These benefits may be used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational and technical training, tutorial assistance, books, supplies and monthly housing. Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following release from active duty and may be transferred to spouses or dependent children.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is an option a Guardian can choose to participate in to assist with paying for college. Eligible Guardians may receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Space Force. The possibility to transfer the benefit to your spouse or dependent children does not exist with this option, and there is no monthly housing stipend. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training and correspondence courses.
Advanced Education Programs
Schreiver Space Scholars Program - Intermediate Level Education (ILE)
The Schreiver Space Scholars Program - Intermediate Level Education (ILE) is a highly selective Space Force program designed for military officers, government civilians, and partner nation students through a tailored track within the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Master of International Public Policy degree, offered in-residence at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC. This unique one-year master’s program annually selects a group of talented, strategic-level military officers, government civilians from multiple agencies, and partner nation military officers to participate in this distinctive curriculum leading to a Master in International Public Policy (MIPP) degree.
West Space Scholars Program - Senior Level Education (SLE)
The West Space Scholars Program - Senior Level Education (SLE) is another highly competitive Space Force program designed for military officers, government civilians, and partner nation students through a tailored track within the Johns Hopkins SAIS Master of International Public Policy degree, offered in-residence at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC.
The Importance of Internships in the Space Force
Internships play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of the Space Force. They provide students and recent graduates with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Internships also offer opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development, preparing individuals for successful careers in the space domain. As Gen. John W. 'Jay' Raymond stated, "Space is hard. We need our nation's brightest minds working to help us tackle these problems." Internship programs are a key component in attracting and developing those bright minds.
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