2025 FUTURE COMPUTING SUMMER INTERNSHIP (FCSI) AT THE NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY (NSA)

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• 18 years or older at the time the internship begins.
• Must be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. institution as an undergraduate student at the time of applying.
• Undergraduate cumulative minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• This internship is ideal for rising seniors, i.e. students graduating in Spring 2026.
• Consideration will be given to undergraduates graduating at a later date who have significant upper level coursework/experience in either math, computer science, computer engineering, or STEM related fields with strong math, and computer programming required for HPCs.

**NOTE: Students graduating in Spring 2025 or earlier are NOT eligible for the internship.

• • • Experience using Linux
    • Command line skills – basic knowledge of the terminal using a shell such as tcsh or Bash
    • Scripting or programming experience in at least 1 language
    • Ability to work as part of a technical team
    • Positive attitude, a strong desire to learn, share knowledge and grow in the HPC field
    • Ability to work collaboratively and act innovatively

    Additional Desired skills:

    • Strong communication skills (written and/or oral).
    • HPC or parallel programming experience.
    • C or systems programming experience.
    • Machine learning or AI experience.
    • Linear algebra
    • Probability/statistics
    • Multi-variable calculus
    • Interesting or novel perspectives.

    If you are unsure whether you meet the program requirements, please ask us! We do not want to miss a potentially good candidate because they meet requirements in a way we did not anticipate. 

    Contact us at HPC@lps.gov for clarification or questions.

• $850 weekly stipend
• Inbound/Outbound transportation to/from residence to/from Baltimore, Maryland via the most direct route;
• Lodging accommodations during 10-week internship;
• Breakfast and Dinner;
• Transportation to/from Internship location;
• Dedicated support before, during, and after internship;
• Coaching by internship mentor and supporter

• Lunch;
• Leisure activities during your free time on weekends and after hours to include transportation costs

Complete on-line GOOGLE application form which can be found here: APPLICATION FORM

**Please note that all communication will take place using the e-mail address provided by applicant in the GOOGLE application form.

E-mail the below application materials to HPC@lps.gov using “2025 FCSI Applicant <your last name> in the subject line.

• One (1) letter of recommendation from a professor or faculty member knowledgeable of the student’s academic and technical abilities that make them suitable for this internship
• Transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
• Current resume
• Cover Letter (not to exceed one-page) addressing the following:
  • • How will this internship enhance your educational and career goals?
    • What do you expect to gain by participating in this internship?
    • Include any relevant experience that is not addressed in the other application materials
      The 2025 FCSI Staff will confirm that a complete application package has been received. Upon receipt and verification that applicant meets eligibility requirements, applicant will be sent email invitation to complete and return an On Demand recorded HireVue interview within 5 business days.

Will I be given a security clearance or undergo a background check?
No, the internship is an unclassified program and selectees will be working on unclassified technical projects, background checks and clearances are not required.

Can I receive course credit for my internship?
No, you will not be receiving course credit.  We strongly recommend that you notate the internship on your resume. The project mentors and supporters are happy to provide references.

I haven’t heard back about my application status, what should I do?
The timeline for notification is here: (TIMELINE).  If you have not received an updated status based on the timeline, please feel free to contact us at HPC@lps.gov.

What is the dress code for attending the internship program?
Casual for the duration of the program – relaxed, comfortable clothing, jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, tennis shoes/sneakers.  Shorts, flip-flops, sandals for weekend, personal time.

I have a Green card or work permit, am I eligible to apply?
No, only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.

Can I bring my spouse with me?
Regrettably,  the FCSI program is unable to accommodate spouses, or family members to join the selectees while attending the internship.

Will my application be considered if I haven’t sent in all the required documents?
No. Your application will not be considered unless it is complete  (see Application materials and how to apply section).

I attend a two-year college; can I still apply?
The internship is designed for undergraduate students earning a bachelor’s degree.  Students earning a 2-year degree are not eligible to apply.

Do I qualify for the internship if I’ve already graduated?
No, the FCSI is ideal for undergraduate students in their junior year of college.  In order to be considered for a position, students need to be enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursing a Bachelor’s at the time of application .  If you have earned your degree, we encourage you to apply to professional opportunities which can be found here:  www.nsa.gov/careers.

How does the selection process work?
2025 FCSI selection team reviews all applicant packages on a rolling basis. The FCSI selection team evaluates your skills, academic performance, experience, and technical exposure to assess suitability into the program.

Can I attend the internship virtually?
No, the 2025 FCSI internship is an in person opportunity that is held at Research Park, which is adjacent to University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

• Advanced Computing Systems Research Program (ACS)
• Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS)
• Research Organization (RES)
• National Security Agency (NSA)