SEC Scholars Program

The SEC Scholars Program is our premier student program. It provides a ten-week internship designed for students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or law degree. The program enhances the SEC’s ability to recruit from an entry-level talent pool. The program provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable on-the-job experience while exploring Federal business, financial, information technology, and legal careers at the SEC.

The program targets undergraduate, graduate, 1st year (1L/Rising 2L), 2nd year (2L/Rising 3L), and LLM students. Students work with SEC staff members on projects and assignments that cover a broad range of the Commission’s work. Students are afforded robust responsibilities and experiences that enhance their future careers.

Business student assignments may consist of supporting auditing, contracting, finance, human resources, information technology, and securities regulations projects and assignments.

Law student assignments may consist of supporting litigation, assisting with drafting new regulations, helping with reviews, exams/public outreach, and reviewing corporate documents.

Opportunities are available at our Washington, D.C. headquarters as well as Regional Offices*.

Participating Division/Offices will be identified in the job opportunity announcements.

*Regional Offices primarily represent the Division of Enforcement and the Division of Examinations.

***SEC Scholars Program positions are not eligible for conversion to a permanent position.***

Eligibility

Participants must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen;
• Be a current student enrolled in an accredited degree or certificate program; and
• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.

Benefits

Participants may take part in:

• Transportation Benefit Program
• Formal Training Opportunities
• Networking Events
• Employee Assistance Program

Work Schedules

Students may work either part-time or full-time during their internship. Supervisors and students agree on a work schedule that does not interfere with academic schedules or performance. Interns must work on-site for a minimum of 16 hours per week.

Timeline

**All dates listed below are tentative and subject to change.**

How to Apply

Opportunities will be posted on USAJOBS when they become available.

We recommend you sign-up to receive an USAJOBS notification to ensure you do not miss the application window.

Current Opportunities

Opportunities will also be linked below when available.

Announcement links:

• Business Program - Headquarters
• Business Program – Regional Offices
• Legal Program - Headquarters
• Legal Program – Regional Offices

Information Sessions

• Tuesday, August 4, 2026; 12:00-1:00 PM ET; Register Here
• Thursday, August 6, 2026; 1:30- 2:30 PM ET; Register Here
• Monday, August 17, 2026; 11:00 AM-12:00 PM ET; Register Here
• Wednesday, August 19, 2026; 1:30-2:30 PM ET; Register Here

Frequently Asked Questions

Application

I missed the deadline can I email my application?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications outside of the application window and USAJOBS website.

I do not have updated grades yet. What should I submit?

You should submit your most recent transcript along with proof of current enrollment.

I have updated grades. Where should I send them?

If the announcement is still open, you may update your original application documents through the USAJOBS website. We are not able to accept updated documents after the announcement closes.

Can my application be transferred to a different location if I did not apply to that location?

No. You will only be considered for the offices/locations to which you apply.

Can I participate if I am related to a current SEC employee?

Yes. You may participate in the program so long as your relative is not in your direct chain of command.

General Program

What if I am not able to report on the program start date?

Each session has two reporting dates. Interns must attend orientation on one of the two designated orientation dates but my be approved by the Office of Human Resources to start their assigned work on a later date.

Pay/Benefits

Can I receive credit in lieu of pay?

The SEC Scholars Program is currently an unpaid program. Participants should work with their college or university to determine if credit can be received.

Am I eligible for health and life insurance benefits in this program?

No. Participants are not eligible to receive health or life insurance benefits.

Will I earn vacation time?

The SEC Scholars Program is currently an unpaid program. Participants are not eligible to receive compensation or vacation time.

Contact Information

Need more information? Email askHR@sec.gov and a team member will assist you.