Pathways for Students and Graduates

Opportunities for Students and College Graduates

Whether you are on a career path, or in the process of determining which career you would like to pursue, the CDC has numerous commissioned corps, internship, training, and volunteer opportunities for students of all academic disciplines and levels. Many of these opportunities provide invaluable experiences and potentially offer clear cut paths to exciting careers with CDC.

Pathways Programs for Students and Recent Graduates

If you are a student or a recent college graduate, and are looking for rewarding work experience to supplement your education, then the Pathways Program is just for you! The Pathways program is made up of three main components: the Internship Program which offers internship and summer employment opportunities to students; the Recent Graduates Program where recent college graduates can obtain enriching developmental work experience in public health and related support occupations; and the Presidential Management Fellows Program that offers leadership development opportunities to students who are in the process of completing their master’s, law, or doctoral-level degree within the academic year.  See the information below for more details.

Internship Program

The Internship Program is for high school and college students in search of an internship or other opportunity to gain work experience while in school. The program is designed to provide students who are enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. Explore available internship opportunities at CDC!

Student Summer Employment – Pathways Interns

The Student Summer Employment provides training and work experience for individuals during summer months. The work ranges from office support trades to positions in professional fields.

Eligibility

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to participate in the Student Summer Employment:

• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a diploma, certificate, or degree-seeking student. Verification showing enrollment status is required from the school.
• Meet the minimum age required by federal, state, or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors.
• Taking or scheduled to take a course load at least half-time in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school.

Pay and Benefits

Students in the Pathways receive a competitive salary, but are not eligible for federal benefits.

How to Apply

Student summer employment opportunities are announced January through March of each year. Visit USAJobs beginning in January for more information on applying for summer employment with CDC.  Detailed instructions on how to apply for student summer employment opportunities are provided during the announcement period.

Required Documentation

Resume or Application (OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment)

Academic Transcript

School Verification Form

Recent Graduate Program

Have you recently graduated from a qualifying educational institution or program? If yes, then explore the many opportunities available under the new Pathways Recent Graduates Program (RGP). The recent graduates program offers developmental experiences in the Federal Government in an effort to promote possible careers in civil service. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation. Veterans have up to six years after degree completion to apply. Additional information about the Recent Graduates Program can be found at https://www.usajobs.gov/studentsandgrads.

Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF)

Will you complete your master’s, law, or doctoral-level degree during this academic year? If yes, we invite you to explore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. The PMF Program is a two-year, paid program designed to develop future leaders committed to excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. The program is highly competitive and candidates must be nominated by their graduate program’s dean, director, or chair. Upon successful completion of the program, fellows may be eligible for permanent placement within a federal agency. Find more information on the PMF Program.

Visit the OPM Pathways Program Website for more general information on the new Pathways program, or begin your job search today.

Public Health Training Opportunities

We are looking for talented, ambitious people for a variety of public health training programs. If you are in college, have recently graduated, or are currently working in public health, we have a role for you.

Explore CDC’s Public Health Training Opportunities

Commissioned Corps

Join more than 6,500 highly qualified public health professionals as part of the U.S. Public Health Service Corps. Overseen by the Surgeon General, you will be part of an elite and diverse cadre of professionals essential to public health leadership and exemplary clinical service.

Learn more

Federal Work Study Program

The CDC Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program offers students work experience in various occupations during the academic year and/or summer months. FWS at CDC exposes students to a wide arrange of opportunities, including public health careers. Students may also be allowed to earn academic credit for their work assignments (at the school’s discretion).

Eligibility

To be eligible for the work study program, students must be enrolled in an accredited college and must have received the federally-sponsored college work-study award through their academic institution.  The academic institution determines the students’ eligibility and the conditions of their employment.

All applicants must pass a background investigation by the CDC security office.  Applicants NOT born U.S. Citizens, or who later became citizens must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Applicants must provide a copy of their Naturalization Certificate, passport, visa, or green card/ permanent resident card. Applicants born abroad as U.S. Citizens (military-related) must provide a copy of their birth certificate.  International students attending accredited schools in the U.S. are eligible to participate with valid proof of Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR) status, or a student visa approved by the school.

Pay and Benefits

Students receive an hourly wage paid by their academic institution, and CDC reimburses the academic institution for our portion of the students’ earnings.  The academic institution determines the students’ pay rate, and students are not eligible for federal benefits.

More Information

Students should contact their respective FWS Coordinator to determine if your academic institution is an educational partner with CDC.  If your academic institution is a partner, your FWS Coordinator will provide information on available CDC/ATSDR work-study opportunities.

If your academic institution is not currently a partner, please ask your FWS Coordinator to contact the CDC FWS Program Manager at hrcs@cdc.gov and provide their name and contact information (school name, title, email address, and phone number) to the HR Customer Service Center.

Emory Rollins Earn and Learn Program (REAL)

The Emory Rollins School of Public Health’s Earn and Learn Program (REAL) is a program that offers MPH/MSPH students’ valuable opportunities to earn money for their living expenses while they learn. The program provides funding for master’s- level public health graduate students to support their academic interests with applied public health experiences in federal, state, and county agencies, as well as non-profit and for-profit organizations throughout Atlanta.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the REAL Program, students must be enrolled in the Emory Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH) and must have received the REAL award through their Financial Aid and Career Services Offices.  Emory RSPH determines the students’ eligibility and the conditions of their employment.  Students may work during the academic school year only (i.e. Fall & Spring semesters), and no student is allowed to participate in the program during summer months.

All applicants must pass a background investigation by the CDC security office.  Applicants NOT born U.S. Citizens, or who later became citizens must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Applicants must provide a copy of their Naturalization Certificate, passport, visa, or green card/ permanent resident card. Applicants born abroad as U.S. Citizens (military-related) must provide a copy of their birth certificate.  International students attending accredited schools in the U.S. are eligible to participate with valid proof of Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR) status, or a student visa approved by the school.

Pay and Benefits

The REAL Award is typically up to $2,500 per semester or up to $5,000 per academic year. These awards are for fall and spring only. Funds are paid directly to students on a bi-weekly basis, depending on the number of hours worked. The academic institution determines the students’ pay rate, and students are not eligible for federal benefits.

How to Apply

Visit the Emory Rollins Earn and Learn Program website for guidance on eligibility, the hiring process, potential wages and hours, the student handbook and a list of approved employers:

All available jobs are posted in Handshake and may be accessed at this website: https://rsph.joinhandshake.com/login

Students should contact the Rollins Earn and Learn Program Manager, Lisa Parker at real@emory.edu, for questions regarding Handshake access or for more information on REAL eligibility and opportunities.

Student Worksite Experience Program – Volunteer Service

Overview

The CDC Student Worksite Experience Program (SWEP) offers high school and college students non-paid, educationally related work opportunities. Students can gain practical experience by engaging in projects and tasks that contribute to their professional development. Non-paid students are important in recruiting and developing skilled workers and preparing the workforce of the future. It is a win-win relationship for the student, the institution and CDC. SWEP is available to any CIO interested in providing an eager student with temporary, unpaid, practical work experience. Students volunteer for a maximum of six months (180 days) during the academic school year or summer months. The SWEP manager must approve assignments and extensions up to an additional 180 days.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate, students must:

• Receive written permission from their school
• Provide proof of at least half-time enrollment in an accredited United States educational institution:
  • High school
  • Trade or technical or vocational school
  • Junior or community college
  • Four-year college or university
  • Graduate or post-graduate school
  • Other accredited educational institutions, including home-school

Note: Home-schooled students must participate in either an accredited home-school or a home-school curriculum approved by the state.

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a work permit if not aged 16, as applicable by state law
• Provide parent or guardian consent if in high school and 18 years old or under
• Pass a background investigation
• Meet VISA requirements for non-citizens
• Maintain good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA)
• Complete health and safety testing (such as TB or Hepatitis) because of potential exposure, if required by the hosting office
• Meet other qualifications specified by the hosting office

For More Information

Please contact the HRO, Strategic Programs Office at HRCS@cdc.gov.

11 Corporate Blvd. NE, Bldg. #11
Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: 770-488-1725

Required Steps

If you are interested in obtaining a volunteer position through the SWEP program at the CDC, you should:

1. Complete the Student Volunteer Interest form
2. Email the completed Student Volunteer Interest Form and your resume, to HRCS@cdc.gov.
3. Once CDC program placement is identified, you will be contacted by HR and receive the Student Volunteer Service Agreement form to fill out Part B. You will need to verify that the CDC program supervisor and your school complete the appropriate sections, and email the completed form to HRCS@cdc.gov.
4. When you are chosen for a student volunteer placement, the CDC program will contact you to begin onboarding procedures.

Additional Information

A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available, from administrative and program support, to research- related projects. Additionally:

• Students can earn academic credit for work assignments (at the school’s discretion). All arrangements regarding obtaining academic credit for your volunteer position must be made with your university.
• Students may volunteer for a maximum of 180 days per calendar year; during the academic school year and/or summer months.
• Students earning academic credit may be approved to participate for up to one full year to complete educational requirements.
• All applicants must pass a background investigation by the CDC security office.
• Applicants NOT born U.S. Citizens, or who later became citizens must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Applicants must provide a copy of their Naturalization Certificate passport, visa, or green card/ permanent resident card. Applicants born abroad as U.S. Citizens (military related) must provide a copy of the birth certificate.
• International students attending accredited schools in the U.S. are eligible to participate with valid proof of Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR) status, or a student visa approved by the school.
• Students attending foreign schools are NOT eligible to participate in SWEP.

University Agreement

If you are a university with students who may be interested in finding a volunteer opportunity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), voluntary positions may be available through the Student Work Experience Program (SWEP). In order for students at your university to participate in SWEP, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is required between your school and CDC. If your university already has an MOU established with CDC, HR may send out announcements regarding open volunteer positions and/or distribute information to university career development/services. For information on how to establish an MOU, contact Human Resources at HRCS@cdc.gov or 770-488-1725.

Thurgood Marshall College Foundation/CDC Student Ambassador Program and Internship

The Thurgood Marshall College Foundation/CDC Ambassador and Internship Program is designed to increase interest in public health careers among minority students, and to increase minority representation in mission critical occupations at CDC and the public health workforce. The program seeks to promote CDC as a preferred employer. Student ambassadors work at their campuses and in their communities to actively promote public service and public health among their peers as a means of making a positive difference. The ambassadors promote public health initiatives on campus and in the community, and build relationships between faculty and student groups.

Service Fellowship for U.S. Citizens and Non-Citizens

Are you a talented scientist engaged in public health research, studies, training, or investigations? If so, you may qualify for one of our many fellowship programs. Contact the specific CDC organization for information about service fellowships.

Fellowship programs covered by Title 42, Public Health Service Act are open to U.S. citizens and non-citizens. Initial assignments are up to five years long and may be extended in five-year increments.

Fellowships are classified by education and experience:

• Senior Service Fellow
• Associate Service Fellow
• Regular Fellow

Senior Service Fellows

• Qualifications: Doctoral degree or foreign equivalent obtained from a recognized college or university and substantial post-doctoral experience in a scientific field related to CDC’s mission.

• Stipend: Pay is equivalent to GS-13, step1 to GS-15, step 10

Associate Service Fellow

• Qualifications: Masters degree or foreign equivalent obtained from a recognized college or university and related post-graduate experience.

• Stipend: Pay is equivalent to GS-9, step 1 to GS-12, step 10

• Length of Assignment: As a senior or associate Service Fellow, you may be appointed to the federal service for up to five years, with possible extensions in five-year increments.

• Benefits: Pay for a senior or associate Service Fellow is commensurate with assignments. Fellows are eligible for performance awards and special act or service awards. Benefits include:
  • Retirement: Service Fellows whose initial appointment exceeds 12 months are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).  Non-citizens appointed under the Exchange Visitor Program are not covered by FERS.
  • Health Benefits and Life Insurance: Service Fellows whose initial appointment exceeds 12 months are eligible to participate in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Programand the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program Supplemental insurance for those appointed under the Exchange Visitor Program is available through the Center for Global Health
  • Leave: Service Fellows are eligible for annual leave, sick leave, and other leave provisions as established for civil service employees.

Regular Fellows

Regular Fellows are classified as trainees and do not require an FTE. Regular Fellows are appointed to study physical and mental diseases and impairments of humankind; the organization, provision and financing of health services; and information communication.

Appointments for Regular Fellows may be for citizens or non-citizens (not born in the United States or naturalized) and may be full-time (80 hours or more per pay period) or part-time (less than 80 hours per pay period) unless Visa requirements dictate otherwise.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-immigrant aliens with an appropriate visa and employment authorization.
• Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university.
• Participants from the Exchange Visitor Program must have a bachelor’s degree and three or more years of relevant experience. Degrees of non-citizens must be translated into English and certified by an official translator.
• Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak English. 
• Candidates must provide a letter of support from a public or non-profit institution for the training as it relates to the individual’s academic studies, post-graduate training, and/or career.

Stipend

Pay is equivalent to GS-5, Step 1 to GS-9, step 10. The stipend is set within a range based on the appointee’s education and experience as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) GS-5, step 1 – 10
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) GS-7, step 1 – 10
• Doctoral degree (or equivalent) GS-9, step 1 – 10

Benefits

Regular Fellows are entitled to:

• The cost of travel to the first duty station, when travel is to or from outside the United States
• CDC sponsored training

Length of Assignment

The initial appointment for Regular Fellows is for a period not to exceed one year and may be extended up to seven years. Extensions may be made in one-year increments, not to exceed seven years. The appointment and extensions assume there are no visa time constraints. Work schedules may be full-time or part-time.

View the Employee Benefits Eligibility Chart for more information on the provisions of the fellowship programs and benefits for Service Fellowship Program participants.

Volunteer

Generally speaking, federal agencies are prohibited by law (section 1342 of title 31, United States Code) from accepting volunteer service. No person may provide unpaid service to the Government or provide service with the understanding that he or she will waive pay. Exceptions to this prohibition are provided only for:

• employment in emergencies involving the protection of life or property;
• employment of assistants to handicapped employees;
• employment of experts and consultants; and
• employment of students to further their educational goals.

Identifying Volunteer Opportunities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not maintain a centralized database of volunteer opportunities. Contact the respective CDC organization if you are interested in volunteering.

Persons With Disabilities

There are various appointment authorities specifically used to hire people with disabilities.

Persons With Disabilities (PWD)/(Schedule A) Appointment Program

A Title 5 non-competitive hiring authority used to hire individuals with disabilities. No vacancy announcement is required. No grade limitation on appointment. Individual may have a probationary period for up to two years and could be converted to the competitive service after the probationary period is completed. Individuals are held to the same performance standards as all other civil service employees.

Requirements

Persons with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities

Proof of disability:

• Agency must obtain proof of an applicant’s disability prior to making an appointment through appropriate documentation (e.g., records, statements, or other appropriate information) issued from:
• a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional duly certified by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory, to practice medicine);
• a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., State or private);
• or any Federal agency, State agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.

Sample Schedule A Certification Letter

References:

• OPM
• Code of Federal Regulations 213.3102 (u)

People with Severe Physical Disabilities

There are two different Schedule A appointing authorities available to hire people with severe physical disabilities for employment.

Option 1 – Leading to Continuing Positions:

This program is designed to help qualified people with physical disabilities obtain employment in positions consistent with their level of skills and abilities, at grades GS-1 to GS-15 or under the Federal Wage System.

• Authority: 5 CFR 213.3102(u)

• Requirements: Persons may be appointed if (1) they have already demonstrated their ability to perform the position duties satisfactorily on a temporary trial appointment, or (2) they have been certified by counselors of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies or the Department of Veterans Affairs as likely to succeed in the performance of the position duties.

• Type of Appointment: Excepted service

• Conversion to Permanent Position: After completing two years of satisfactory performance, employees may be converted to appointments in the competitive service. (Authority: 5 CFR 315.709)

Option 2 – Time-Limited Positions:

This authority is designed to help qualified people with physical disabilities obtain time-limited employment in positions consistent with their level of skills and abilities at grades GS-1 to GS-15 or under the Federal Wage System.

• Authority: 5 CFR 213.3102(i)(3)

• Requirements: Persons may be appointed when OPM has determined that examining is impractical.

• Type of Appointment: Excepted Service

• Conversion to Permanent Position: There is no provision under this authority for conversion to a permanent appointment when the time-limited appointment expires.

People with Intellectual Disabilities

There is one Schedule A appointment authority available to hire people with intellectual disabilities.

• Authority: 5 CFR 213.3102(t)

• Requirements: Persons may be appointed based on certification from the appropriate State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency that they have the ability to perform the duties of the position, are physically qualified to do the work without risk to themselves or others, and are competent to maintain themselves in a work environment.

• Type of Appointment: Excepted Service

• Conversion to Permanent: After completing two years of successful service, employees may be converted to appointments in the competitive service. (Authority: 5 CFR 315.709)

People with Psychiatric Disabilities

There are both continuing and time limited Schedule A hiring authorities available to hire people with psychiatric disabilities.

Option 1 – Leading to Continuing Positions:

This program is designed to help qualified people with psychiatric disabilities obtain employment in positions consistent with their level of skills and abilities, at grades GS-1 to GS-15 or under the Federal Wage System.

• Authority: 5 CFR 213.3102(gg)

• Requirements: Persons may be appointed if (1) they have already demonstrated their ability to perform the position duties satisfactorily on a temporary appointment or (2) they have been certified by counselors of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies or the Department of Veterans Affairs as likely to succeed in the performance of the duties of the position.

• Type of Appointment: Excepted Service

• Conversion to Permanent Position: After completing two years of satisfactory performance, employees may be converted to appointments in the competitive service. (Authority: 5 CFR 315.709)

Option 2 – Time-Limited Positions:

This authority is designed to help qualified people with psychiatric disabilities obtain time-limited employment in positions consistent with their level of skills and abilities at grades GS-1 to GS-15 or under the Federal Wage System.

• Authority: 5 CFR 213.3102(i)(3)

• Requirements: Persons may be appointed when OPM has determined that examining is impractical.

• Type of Appointment: Excepted Service

Disabled Veterans (30% or more)

Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more may be appointed at any grade level for which they are qualified.

• Authority: 5 CFR 316.402(b)(4) and 5 CFR 316.302(b)(4)

• Requirements: Veterans who are qualified for the positions must have retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30% or more, OR be rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs within the last year as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Under this option, persons may be given noncompetitive temporary appointments (up to 1 year) OR term appointments (more than 1 year but not more than 4 years)

• Type of Appointment: Competitive Service           

• Conversion to Permanent Position: Subject to meeting qualifications requirements, employees hired under this provision may be converted to permanent employment at any time provided their appointment was for more than 60 days (Authority: 5 CFR 315.707

Hiring Readers, Interpreters and other Personal Assistants

• Authority: Schedule A, 5 CFR 213.3102(ll) permits appointments of readers, interpreters, and personal assistants for employees with disabilities. The authority applies when filled on a full-time, part-time, or intermittent basis.

• Type of Appointment: Excepted Service

• Conversion to Permanent Position: Employees hired under this provision may be converted to competitive service when both of the following conditions are met:
  • The person has completed at least one year of satisfactory service in such a position under a non-temporary appointment; and
  • Employment as a reader, interpreter or personal assistant is no longer necessary for reasons beyond management’s control, e.g., resignation or reassignment of the person being assisted. (Authority: 5 CFR 315.711)

Other appointing authorities used to hire people with disabilities:

• Veterans Recruitment Adjustment (VRA)
• Pathways Programs for Students and Recent Graduates
• Temporary Limited Appointment
• Term Appointment
• Student Volunteer Program