Subject: Virtual Student Foreign Service Internships Description: The Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS) is the largest virtual internship program in the world and is now accepting applications! We want to make sure that University of Maryland students are aware of the opportunity. This year, there are more than 1,000 vacancies with more than 30 federal government agencies, and more STEAM opportunities than ever before – if you’re studying computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, GIS, or graphic design (or any other major), then VSFS is for you! VSFS offers unique mentoring and exposure to job opportunities within the U.S. government and can help you build valuable technical skills that the job market demands. Applications for the 2017-18 VSFS program are open between July 2 and 26 on USAJOBS.gov. Technical experience is waiting for U.S. college students across the federal government, with projects from NASA, CIA, DoD, Homeland Security, U.S. Geological Survey, National Science Foundation, and many more. You can view the projects at http://vsfs.state.gov/ by clicking on “See All Projects” at the top. To apply, students must log on to USAJOBS, create an account, build a resume, and upload a transcript. Students play an important role in helping the government innovate. VSFS can help you build valuable skills in software engineering, GIS, web design, app development, data visualization, and technical research on topics like blockchain and AI, all while working from home. The U.S. government needs more technically-oriented young people for the future! Here are some of the projects you can expect to work on if you pursue VSFS: 1. Big-data interactive visualization of global croplands dynamic data layers from satellite imagery: Learn about the latest advances in cloud computing geospatial analysis applied to global food security analysis. 2. Blockchain@State: Help bring the Department of State into the blockchain conversation, where nations around the world are actively utilizing this technology to transform the work of government. 3. Public news cybersecurity feeds: Help the Department of Homeland Security by developing a web-based module that shows the latest cybersecurity news and rank the news’ impact. 4. Make out-of-date and boring webpages better: Help the Bureau of Indian Affairs re-design their websites and create communication content. eInterns should expect to spend ten hours a week on their project from September through May. This is unpaid, volunteer work, but eInterns make connections that make a difference, gain valuable technical experience, and sometimes get course credit. All applicants must be U.S. citizens in student status at a university in the U.S. or abroad. VSFS is open to undergrad through PhD candidates taking classes full or part-time, in-person or on-line. Contact Person: Roddy, Bridget L Contact Email: [log in to unmask]