Scholars Application Process, Eligibility, and FAQs

Compete for Your Place Among America’s Top Emerging Leaders

NobleReach connects exceptional university students with transformative government placements in artificial intelligence, computing & cybersecurity, business process innovation, and materials & manufacturing. Our Scholars don’t just observe—they lead projects, solve complex challenges, and shape the future of public service.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Recent graduate who has obtained (or will obtain) a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from an accredited institution between December 2023 and August 2027.  
  • A Cumulative GPA from your most recent degree of 3.2 or higher  
  • Demonstrated interest and experience in one of our four strategic domains (Artificial Intelligence, Business Process Innovation, Computing & Cybersecurity, Materials & Manufacturing).  Relevant experience can include jobs, internships, volunteer experiences, student organizations, etc.  
  • Willing and able to relocate within the United States for your placement. 
  • U.S. citizen or authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are two upcoming cohorts currently listed on the Scholars site, February and August 2027. Are these separate processes?

Yes, the recruitment cycles for both of our 2027 cohorts begin in September 2026.  They are separate processes with independent application, selection, and programming timelines.

How do I decide which cohort to apply for? Can I apply for both?

The experience and program components are equivalent across cohorts.  You should apply to the one cohort for which the graduation eligibility and program start dates best match your situation.  The February cohort is open to those who graduated (from any degree level) between December 2023 and December 2026 and kicks off February 22nd, 2027.  The August bootcamp is open to those who graduated (from any degree level) between December 2023 and August 2027 and kicks off August 2nd, 2027.

Applying to both cohorts at once isn’t necessary.  At the end of the application or matching process for each cohort, candidates who aren’t selected or Finalists who aren’t placed will receive instructions on available options.

Can I apply if I wasn't selected last year?

Absolutely. Both your skills and experiences evolve over time, as do the roles our employer partners are looking to fill.

If I'm graduating within the next year, is this my last chance to be a Scholar?

Future Scholars cohorts are generally open to applicants who have graduated in the past three years from any degree level.  While we hope you will apply now, you are welcome to apply to any future cohort to which you are eligible.

What materials do I need to submit my application?
  • Resume
  • Unofficial transcripts for all institutions you wish for us to consider when evaluating your candidacy. Submitting information on your most recent or current degree will be required
  • Information for one professional or academic reference
  • Four short answer responses to questions designed to understand your experiences and assess program fit
What happens after I submit my application? When will I find out next steps?

Once you apply, NobleReach reviews your application materials, and will invite selected candidates to interview to be selected as a Finalist. We may contact you at any time after your application is submitted regarding clarifying questions or invitations to interview, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Applicants for the February cohort will be contacted for interviews on a rolling basis even while the application is still open. For August, if selected as a Finalist, you would be notified by mid-March.

Can I edit or update my application after I submit it?

Please ensure your application is complete and accurate prior to submission.  If you obtain new work experience or educational credentials after it is submitted, contact apply@noblereach.org with an updated resume.

What does “authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship” mean?

This refers to US Nationals, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and individuals with a valid and current Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as work permit or work authorization. Various visas holders or individuals in certain immigration status such as refugees/asylees may have already received their EAD as part of their immigration status such that they do not require employers to sponsor them through a separate visa process like the H-1B visa process.

I have an F-1 Visa with an Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization? Am I eligible for the Scholars Program?

No. While F1 visa holders with OPT are authorized to work in the United States without further employer sponsorship, the timing of the NobleReach Scholars program cycle means that F-1 Visa holders with OPT would not be able to start work in time to complete the full 12-month job the program requires.

Does NobleReach sponsor applicants for work visas?

No, NobleReach does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

What should I expect from the matching process?

Our employer partners, who are federal, state, and local government organizations based around the country, will have access to Finalists’ resumes, and will reach out directly to Finalists with whom they would like to schedule an interview. NobleReach may also contact you to provide or request updates about specific opportunities or to help you navigate the process.

You may be contacted about opportunities throughout the duration of the matching process. Employer partners get approval for new positions on a rolling basis, so you should not expect all employer interest to occur in your first few weeks as a Finalist.

Expect much of your communications about specific roles to occur directly between you and the employer, with NobleReach playing a supportive role, including helping you navigate decisions between opportunities, if applicable.  Once you accept an offer from an employer, you will be invited to the Scholars cohort.

I'm applying for jobs outside of the NobleReach process. What happens if I receive a job offer before I receive an offer through NobleReach?

In most circumstances, accepting an external job offer will result in your withdrawal as a Finalist. That’s OK! We want what’s best for you and hope you will stay engaged with NobleReach. Please email us as soon as possible so we can update our records and proceed with matching remaining Finalists.

In limited circumstances, you may be eligible to participate in the cohort if your job offer aligns with the NobleReach Scholars program. Specifically, the role should be with a government entity or an organization working alongside government for the public good, and aligned with the domain you applied for. If you think this applies and would like to continue as a Scholar, please contact us right away to discuss. Continuing as a Scholar requires attending all mandatory professional development sessions, and you would be responsible for communicating this commitment to your employer.

What relevant experience do I need to apply for a role within my desired strategic domain?

All domains are subject to the same eligibility requirements. Demonstrated experience in your desired strategic domain can include relevant coursework, professional experience, internships, and research projects. While all domains are subject to the same eligibility requirements, each strategic domain has certain preferred educational backgrounds and experiences that will make you a stronger candidate. Please review the domain descriptions on the website before applying.  

What does the security clearance process look like?

If you receive an offer from an agency or company that requires you to obtain a security clearance, the agency or company will guide you through the process. General information on the process can be found here. NobleReach does not facilitate the security clearance process. 

What will I be paid?

NobleReach Scholar’s salaries will be determined by their employer and will vary based on location, nature of the role, and experience of the Scholar. Generally, we expect salaries for most Scholars to range between $70,000 and $90,000. In addition to their salaries, NobleReach Scholars will receive a one-time stipend of $18,000 for their participation in the bootcamp and yearlong programming. 

Will I receive relocation support?

While you will not receive funding specifically for relocation, all Scholars will receive a one-time stipend of $18,000 that can be used by the Scholar at their discretion.

Where will my job be located?

Prospective Scholars should be flexible on their location preferences as locations may vary and we have partner agencies/organizations located throughout the United States.

How will interviews take place?

Finalist interviews conducted by NobleReach will be 30 minutes and take place virtually. This round of interviews focus on your experiences and interests.

If selected as a Finalist, you should expect to participate in additional interviews with our placement partners during the matching process, which are also typically virtual. If applicable, this stage of the process is where technical skills will be evaluated.

Does everyone who passes the interview stage become a Scholar?

No; the interview conducted by NobleReach are for consideration to become a Finalist.  Finalists participate in the matching process and are invited to the Scholars cohort once they accept an employer offer made by one of our employer partners.

Will I be able to work remotely?

Most of the roles available through our government partners are hybrid or fully in office. The specific work location, including remote work options, will depend entirely on the policies of your employer and should be something to discuss with the agency/organization during the interview process. 

Can I request a specific agency, city, or type of organization?

You can express general preferences, but we cannot guarantee that a role will be available that matches all preferences.  Being open to considering all types of roles, agencies, and locations is a key element of matching process success.

How many positions are available in each strategic domain?

Positions will vary based on the applicant pool and its alignment with available positions.

Can I stay in my role or participate in NobleReach programming for more than a year?

The NobleReach Scholars Program is a yearlong opportunity but your agency may choose to offer you a position that extends past one year. After the year of programming, you will join the NobleReach Scholars alumni community.

Will my experience with the matching process look exactly like what's described here or the experience of other Finalists?

Not necessarily.  Each of our employer partners operates within their specific hiring processes, and they select who they interview. That variability can also come from things outside anyone’s control, for example delays or adjustments to available roles because of government budget or policy changes. While we will do our best to set expectations about what will occur and when, you should expect variability regarding timelines, action items, and the number of interviews you receive.   What’s important to know is that the NobleReach team is here to guide you throughout, and what’s important that you do is to be promptly responsive to all communications from NobleReach and our employer partners.

Can I apply for more than one strategic domain area? How do I decide which domain to apply for?

You cannot apply for more than one domain area and should apply for the area where you have the most experience and interest. The most competitive applicants will have work experience or advanced degree experience applicable to the domain they applied for. In the short answer questions and throughout the interview process you can discuss additional interests and skills you have so we can best present you as a candidate to potential employers.

What can I expect from the bootcamp; do I need to be in D.C. for the entire duration?

Bootcamp is a 1.5-week intensive program based in Washington DC focused on government operations, innovation and design strategies, practical problem-solving, and mission-driven career planning, giving Scholars the foundational knowledge and tools needed to drive impact in their roles from the start. Bootcamp is a critical component of yearlong programming and is full in-person participation in the Washington, D.C. area is required for all Scholars. Travel and lodging plans are made by the Scholar with the support of the stipend.

Can I use AI tools when preparing my application materials?

We view AI as a tool that can help you present your best self, much like spell-check or grammar assistance. However, we’re ultimately looking to understand who you are as an individual. All content must reflect your genuine experiences, accomplishments, and voice. The final work should represent your authentic self and should not include fabricated experiences, achievements, or qualifications. Any application containing false information will result in immediate withdrawal from consideration.

What is the US Tech Force and what is its relationship to the Scholars Program?

The US Tech Force is a new initiative to recruit technical talent into government through two-to-four-year appointments.  As part of our work to rekindle a spirit of national service, NobleReach is a founding partner of the program, alongside many prestigious organizations including Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta.

The Tech Force will be one mechanism to enable Scholars Finalists to be considered for positions at the federal level as we work with each government partner individually to identify the right pathways for our participants based on their skills, interests, and goals.

Learn more about US Tech Force here: https://techforce.gov/

Don’t see your question here? Email us at apply@noblereach.org.

Want to learn even more about the program? RSVP for our Info Session on September 30 at 12:00 PM ET here.

Get connected

Sign Up to Receive Updates

Featured Stories