Co-operative Education (Co-op)

Co-operative Education (Co-op) continues to be a strong recruitment source for Federal agencies. There is a need to attract diverse and talented students with skills which will be critical to the future workforce needs of the Federal Government. The arrangements for such jobs are developed under the Federal Student Educational Employment Program. That program provides for work-study partnerships between the students, the educational institutions, and various Federal agencies.

The value of participating in Co-op is two-fold:

1. It enriches the educational process by giving students relevant job experiences; and,

2. It provides Federal employers with an opportunity to take an active role in developing their future workforce.

Co-op gives students a "jump start" in their chosen career fields by providing valuable, paid work experience while they are still in school. After completion of their academic and work requirements, students will be eligible for permanent employment.

Co-op Education Employment Features:

• Open to students from high school through graduate or professional schools, including technical and vocational schools;
• Provides an opportunity to gain work experience directly related to an academic field of study;
• Allows for a flexible work schedule on a part-time or full-time basis;
• Allows students to earn leave credit for illness and vacation; and
• Includes health and life insurance options

Eligibility Requirements:

Students are eligible for Co-op if they are:

• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree student (diploma, certificate, etc.) in an accredited institution; and,
• At least the minimum age required by Federal, state or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors; and,
• Taking at least half-time academic or vocational or technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school; and
• A U.S. citizen or a national (resident of American Samoa or Swains Island). Non-citizens may be eligible for employment if: (1) permitted by a Federal agency's appropriations act; and (2) eligible to work under U.S. immigration laws.

U.S. citizenship is required for conversion to permanent employment under this program.

Next Steps ...

Students may contact their school guidance office, career planning and placement office, teachers, or Federal agency employment office where they are interested in working.

They may also visit the OPM website at this address:

http://www.opm.gov/employ/students/index.htm

AS OF: 10-05-98