Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP)
Introduction
The Cooperative Education Program is an important link in the educational process that integrates college level academic study with full-time meaningful work experience. This is achieved through a working agreement between GSFC and a number of educational institutions. This agreement allows the students, through study and work experience, to enhance their academic knowledge, personal development, and professional preparation. Additionally, Co-op employees earn income that is based on the level of education and work experience they have attained.
GSFC benefits from the Co-op program in many ways. The program attracts students preparing for careers in a shortage category (engineering and science), permits selection for career jobs on the basis of proven performance, supports equal opportunity, and generally helps to more directly relate the efforts of educators to occupational needs of employers and students. Students rotate from work to school on a semester or quarterly basis. Academic disciplines desired are engineering, mathematics, physics, earth and space science and computer science. To support this program, the Center currently has Co-op agreements with more than 60 universities, and new agreements can be made with other schools.
Applicants must:
- have completed 30 semester hours
- be a student at an accredited university
- be enrolled in their school's Cooperative Education Program
- be a U.S. citizen
- have a good scholastic standing (2.9 G.P.A. overall).
The Cooperative Education Program at the GSFC receives a significant amount of management attention and support, and it is our intent to help continue this tradition. If you have any questions as you review this section, please ask the Co-op Coordinator at 301.286.9951 who will be glad to assist you.
