Volunteer.
Gain experience.
Serve the Nation.
Spend a semester working on real federal projects—cybersecurity, AI, public health, natural resources, and more. Build your resume, earn academic credit where permitted, and see your work shape how government serves the American people.
Step into your future
Students enrolled part-time or full-time at a university, community college, or trade, technical, or vocational school are eligible to participate. As a Semester of Service volunteer, you will contribute between eight and 20 hours each week during the semester or term. Build valuable skills and have the opportunity to earn academic credit where permitted.
See government in action
Get behind-the-scenes exposure to how federal agencies serve the American people and advance national priorities.
Make it matter
Work on mission-aligned projects that contribute to meaningful outcomes.
Jump start your career
Build resume-ready experience, strengthen professional and technical skills, and position yourself competitively for future public service opportunities before you graduate.
Find more paths
There are many paths to finding a job in the Federal Government. Explore these additional federal opportunities:
Early Careers:
Internships
Explore Federal Internships
Early Careers:
Recent Graduates
Explore Jobs for Recent Grads
Scholarship for Service
Explore Scholarship OpportunitiesStay connected
Join our Early Career Talent Network so federal recruiters can find you proactively. You'll also receive open jobs and hiring event invitations directly to your email.
Once you join the network, follow the prompts to create and share your USAJOBS profile. Then, upload and share your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the SoS Program.
You must be enrolled at least part-time in a qualifying post-secondary academic institution, such as a community college, four-year university, graduate or professional school, or a qualifying career or technical education program. You must be in good academic standing as determined by your school.
You can search and apply to opportunities posted on the USAJOBS Semester of Service Portal. You do not need a USAJOBS profile to search for opportunities, but you must have one to apply. You must also upload or build a resume.
Your resume must be no more than two pages, and have your contact information, paid and unpaid work or volunteer experience, and education history (school or program name, dates of attendance, and areas of study). Include specific skills you're learning in school that are relevant to the project or duties listed on the job announcement. Include a copy of your transcripts and/or proof of enrollment in your application.
For more help, go to USAJOBS Resume Guidance to learn how to write a resume for a federal job.
Yes. Projects span a wide range of disciplines, including AI, data, tech, communications, environmental science, public health, and more.
No. The Semester of Service Program is an unpaid volunteer program authorized under federal law. Students may receive outside scholarships, grants, or academic stipends.
No. Volunteer service does not guarantee federal employment or hiring preference. It does give you experience in public service, and you can include it as work or volunteer experience when applying to future jobs.
Volunteer service requires a minimum 90-day commitment aligned with an academic term. You can expect to work eight to 20 hours per week.
Yes. You may work in-person, remote, or hybrid based on the needs of the agency. Read the job announcement to find out where you can work.
Projects vary by agency. You might work in data analysis, research, digital modernization, AI readiness, environmental initiatives, community engagement, or program evaluation. Search for available projects and apply for an opportunity on the USAJOBS Semester of Service Portal.
Depending on your academic institution, your college may offer academic credit or credit for civic engagement, experiential learning, or internship requirements. Contact your school for more information about credit and degree requirements.