The National Security Agency (NSA) offers the Language subset of the Stokes Educational Scholarship Program to high school seniors who plan to pursue Chinese or Farsi language studies as part of their college degree program. Selected participants may receive up to $30,000 per academic year toward tuition and mandatory educational fees while also earning an annual salary. Participants attend college full-time at an accredited institution within the United States and work at NSA for a minimum of 12 weeks each summer in assignments related to their language studies. After graduation, recipients are required to work at NSA for a period equal to one and one-half times the length of their scholarship support.
Scholarship Details
- Up to $30,000 per academic year toward tuition and mandatory educational fees
- Participants also earn an annual salary
- Students whose college is located more than 75 miles from NSA may be eligible for housing and travel benefits during summer employment
- Participants work at NSA for a minimum of 12 weeks each summer in assignments related to their Chinese or Farsi language studies
- Two-part application process consisting of an online application and supplemental documents submitted by email
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. citizen
- High school senior
- Plan to pursue Chinese or Farsi language studies as part of a college degree program
- Plan to attend an accredited college or university within the United States
- Meet the academic and language proficiency requirements established by NSA
- Not on track to earn an Associate's degree while in high school
- Not a full college scholarship recipient
Application Process
- Complete and submit the online application through the NSA Intelligence Careers website
- Gather all required supplemental documents, including:
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a language teacher who can attest to your proficiency
- Official high school transcript
- Verification of AP/IB test scores and/or Seal of Biliteracy, if awarded
- One-page essay
- Combine the required supplemental documents into one complete packet
- Email the supplemental document packet to NSA by the required deadline
- Follow all NSA requirements to maintain eligibility throughout college and fulfill the required employment commitment
Those accepted into the NSA Stokes Educational Scholarship Program must successfully complete the required NSA security and pre-employment processing. Participants who leave the program before fulfilling their service commitment may be required to repay tuition and mandatory educational fees received through the program. Applications are accepted nationwide from eligible high school seniors.
