WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM

Program Overview

The Workforce Development (WFD) Program, also known as the ADAC Fellows Program, was initiated in November 2016 with supplemental funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The WFD program provides resources, education, and mentorship opportunities to qualified undergraduate and graduate students. The support and opportunities provided by the WFD Program enable the students to engage in ADAC led research projects, ADAC hosted and supported workshops, and other Center activities focused on supporting ADAC’s mission in the DHS Science & Technology areas of concentration. Student research conducted by WFD Fellows can meaningfully advance projects within the ADAC portfolio to the benefit of DHS, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other DHS maritime missions.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled as a full time undergraduate or graduate student
• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale averaged over all academic terms
• Ability to pass a background check as required by many positions in the homeland security field
• Majoring in a priority science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) related discipline related to ADAC’s research areas

Fellowship Requirements

• All fellows are required to complete one, 10-week summer internship while enrolled in the program.
• All Fellows have a commitment to seek and obtain employment in the Homeland Security Enterprise (federal/state/local government/etc.) for at least one year after graduation

Options include, but are not limited to:
• Working for the U.S. Federal Government in the security sector (i.e. DHS and its components, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, or the Department of Defense (DoD) and its components)
• Working with industry that supports the U.S. National Security Industry (such as supporting government in the security sector)
• Teaching science/engineering at the secondary education level (primary will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
• Gaining a commission or enlisting in the military or military school

**Students can defer the 1-year commitment in order to continue education.

ADAC's Workforce Development Program is no longer accepting applications for the 2021/2022 academic year.