What federal government jobs can high school students apply for?

I'm a high school junior looking to gain work experience in the federal government. Are there any jobs or internships that high school students can apply for? I'm curious about the opportunities available before college.

Yes, there are several opportunities for high school students to gain work experience in the federal government. Keep in mind that many of these opportunities are specific to certain departments or agencies, so you'll want to explore different agencies based on your career interests.

The Pathways Program run by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is a good starting point. This program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with federal internship and employment opportunities. The program consists of three separate components: the Internship Program, the Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows Program, and the Internship program is open to current high school students.

The Federal Reserve Bank also offers high school internships across multiple departments. Depending on the specific Federal Reserve Bank, high school students can intern in departments like economic research, public affairs, or operations departments.

Alternatively, the Student Jobs site run by the federal government lists many summer job opportunities and internships available to high school students.

If interested in a career with the military, consider exploring programs such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps or the Young Marines. Both offer in-depth training programs and summer boot camps that provide a look into military life and opportunities.

Remember that competition for these experiences can be substantial, so it's important to prepare a strong application. Start by learning about the requirements and deadlines, as well as the skills and experiences they're looking for. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight those traits and experiences you have that match their needs. Having solid academic performance, showcasing leadership potential, and having relevant volunteer or extracurricular experiences are some factors that can strengthen your application. If necessary, reach out to the respective organization to have any questions answered. Good luck!