NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program

Program

NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) identifies and develops the next generation of exceptional national security leaders to achieve the NNSA mission: Strengthening our nation through nuclear security.

Fellows participate in hands-on training at the HAMMER training facility

Photo by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Overview

NGFP is administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and sponsored by the NNSA to provide students with training and practical experience that achieve the NNSA mission.

Our year-long, salaried fellowships offer:

Real-world experience in national security and nonproliferation;
Leadership development, professional networking, and specialized training; and
Extensive interaction and collaboration with leading national security technology and policy experts.

Building future leaders of national security

Our fellowships span the NNSA mission space, including:

Nonproliferation. Fellows collaborate with international partners, key federal agencies, national laboratories, and the private sector to detect, secure, and dispose of dangerous nuclear and radiological material and related weapons of mass destruction technology and expertise.
Stockpile Stewardship. Fellows work to ensure the nation sustains a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent through the application of science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. The central mission includes maintaining the active stockpile, life extension programs, and weapons dismantlement.
Infrastructure and Oversight. Fellows contribute to the secure production and laboratory infrastructure that meet immediate and long-term needs. This work includes the people, systems, and processes necessary to succeed in the acquisition of mission capabilities, products, and services.

See the Class of 2021-2022 annual report for fellowship highlights and mission impacts from across the nuclear security enterprise.

NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program 2022 annual report cover

Schedule

The next application cycle opens March 1, 2023. If you are not currently eligible to apply, check back in the spring for an updated schedule for the next class year. Applicants must be within 18 months of receiving their degree to be eligible to apply for the upcoming class.