ALERT Science and Engineering Workforce Development Program

About the Program

The ALERT DHS HS-STEM (Homeland Security Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Career Development Program was established in 2011 with a grant to Northeastern University from the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate. In 2014, ALERT received a separate award from DHS in connection with the ALERT Phase 2 Center of Excellence to continue the program.

In 2015, the program was expanded and renamed to award both undergraduate and graduate fellowships to full-time students pursuing BS, MS or PhD degrees in the science and engineering disciplines related to ALERT’s research. Selected students will receive full tuition and a stipend (up to $2,700 per month for up to three years for graduate students and up to $1,200 per month for up to two years for undergraduate students). Multi-year continuation will be granted based upon satisfactory progress.

Award recipients will engage in research work, class work and career development activities that will provide them with a skill set that will be further strengthened by the completion of two 10-week internships that complement ALERT approved research or are operational venues that work in the ALERT field of study.

Participating students will be immersed in ALERT related research and practical training so that they can better understand the impact and relevance of their work as they engage in real-world development.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are required to obtain paid employment within the Homeland Security Enterprise (DHS, federal/state/local government, industry, etc.) for at least one year after graduation, immediately following the term of the fellowship.

Program Requirements for Participants

  1. Must be a US Citizen pursuant to DHS requirements;
  2. Must be a full-time student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an approved ALERT University Partner;
  3. Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher on a 4.0 scale throughout participation in the Program;
  4. Must attend a professional conference within a science and engineering-related field of study;
  5. Must complete two 10-week internships that complement ALERT approved research or are operational venues that work in the ALERT field of study; and
  6. Must obtain paid employment within the Homeland Security Enterprise (DHS, federal/state/local government, industry, etc.) for at least one year after graduation, immediately following the term of the fellowship.

For more detail, please read the complete ALERT Science and Engineering Workforce Development Program Participation Agreement.

How to Apply

ALERT is seeking applications from academically talented undergraduate and graduate engineering students who are interested in pursuing rewarding careers in ALERT related research areas upon graduation. For priority consideration, the following documents must be completed and submitted by Friday, May 12, 2017.

1. Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION to the program.

This application requires that you upload a Current Resume and a Statement of Interest in .pdf format.Statement of Interest: A 1-2 page statement that indicates the specific ALERT research area that you are interested in with a detailed description of your qualifications and an explanation of why you should be considered for this program. You should detail how this research fits your background, interests, and career aspirations and indicate that you understand the commitment to fulfill two ten-week internships that complement ALERT approved research or are operational venues that work in the ALERT fields of study and the commitment to seek and obtain paid employment within the Homeland Security Enterprise (DHS, federal/state/local government, industry, etc.) for at least one year after graduation, immediately following completion of the program.

2. Submit your College/University Transcript

  • If you are currently enrolled in an ALERT University Partner College, please submit an official transcript confirming a cumulative GPA of 3.30 on a 4.0 scale.
  • If you are applying to or were recently accepted to an ALERT University Partner College, please submit an official transcript from your undergraduate or other graduate institution(s) attended.

3. Provide Two Letters of Recommendation

These letters should describe your qualifications and attributes that would make you an ideal candidate for the fellowship.

  • References from faculty members with knowledge of your academic background and/or past employers with knowledge of your aptitude for a career in homeland security fields are encouraged.

NOTE: Materials for steps 2-3 listed above can be submitted via U.S. mail or email to:

Ms. Kristin Hicks
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
302 Stearns Building
Boston, MA 02115
[email protected]

2012 DHS Fellow Alex Richard Showalter-Bucher

As a result of the Fellowship, Alex worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory through the Department of Homeland Security Summer Internship program on research related to Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) during the summer of 2012.

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