There are two government wide Student Educational Employment Programs (SEEP). They are the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP). The main difference between the two programs is that STEP is solely a temporary employment program whereas the other is an ongoing Cooperative Education Program (COOP) that may lead to permanent NASA employment.

STEP is a program designed to integrate the students’ educational studies with a wide range of clerical, administrative, professional, and technical experiences that support the agency. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) offers bright and highly motivated students an opportunity to work in a research environment with the nations top scientists and engineers in some of the most advanced facilities in the world. In NASA you may find several STEP related programs, depending on what is offered at each NASA Center. The most common is the Stay-in-School program that provides a source of income to students to help pay the cost of tuition while attending school. You may find summer employment and junior fellowship type programs as well. These programs give students a unique opportunity to work at NASA and explore career options before graduation.STEP opportunities are available as well to students pursuing college degrees in technical areas. These opportunities are in the fields of Engineeering: Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronic; Science: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Space Sciences; Computer Science/Engineering: Computational/Data Systems, Hardware and Software Development, Automation and Robotic Systems, Informational Systems; Business: Accounting, Human Resources, Contracting; and other related areas. If you become really excited about the work at NASA, you may apply for the NASA Cooperative Education Program at a later time or after graduation apply for a NASA career employment opportunity!

Advantages There are many positive advantages to participate in NASA’s STEP program. In addition to earning while learning, you will get:

• The chance to apply your talents and skills to on-the-job challenges;
• Exposure to the unique work performed at NASA centers;
• An opportunity to explore career options before choosing a career ; and
• Work experience that enhances your degree after graduation.

Eligibility requirements You are eligible for STEP if you are:

• a US citizen or permanent resident ;
• pursuing a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma; Vocational/Technical certificate; or a college degree;
• taking a halftime academic course load;
• maintaining good academic standing in school; and
• willing to work full-time or part-time schedule at anytime during the school year.

Initial pay Students are paid under the General Schedule (GS) Federal pay system and are hired at Grades GS-1 through GS-9 according to their level of education. The GS grades vary according to the degree being pursued.Visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website for government-wide eligibility requirements and some additional program features.If interested in STEP employment opportunities, contact a NASA Center directly.

You can find out more information about the student programs that are available at each Center by clicking the following link: Student Programs Contact List