Student Volunteer
Who may apply
Limited to the following applicant groups:
- Students
Job Details
Position Overview
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. We accomplish our mission by providing objective and reliable information and analysis to the Congress, to federal agencies, and to the public, and recommending improvements, when appropriate, on a wide variety of issues to make government work better.This vacancy is for Student Volunteer Internship for Spring 2026, Summer 2026 and Fall 2026.
Duties
The duties associated with this position will vary based on the team or office assignments. The following list is to provide applicants with a general overview of the duties and responsibilities.
- Plan and complete work assignments on time.
- Collect and analyze relevant information.
- Prepare quality documents.
- Communicate relevant and accurate information, clearly and concisely during formal or informal meetings.
- Collaborate with others to accomplish goals.
- Contribute to team efforts.
- Use various enterprise tools and technology to prepare and share documents.
- Provide essential support such as arranging meetings, taking notes, responding to routine inquires.
Qualifications & Requirements
In addition to the Key Requirements listed in this vacancy announcement, the Student Volunteer must also posses the following qualities:- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing to a variety of audiences
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to organize a variety of assignments simultaneously to meet deadlines.
- A working knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft: Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.
Education
All applicants must submit their academic transcripts in order to be eligible. The transcripts may be unofficial or official and must show your status as a student, as well as support your educational claim.Student Status: Definition of a student- applicant must be enrolled in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, two year or four year college or university, graduate or professional school. You must be considered in good academic standing. Individuals must be taking at least a half-time academic, vocational, or technical course leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. "Half-time" is defined by the school in which the student is enrolled
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
Requirements
- You must be a U.S. Citizen
- You must be at least 16 years old
- Actively enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution.
- Good academic standing
- Free from conflict of interest
- Must be able to pass a valid background check
- You may be required to sign a financial disclosure agreement.
- Continued enrollment in qualifying academic program for the duration of volunteer service.
Evaluations
Your application must show that all requirements are met, including education. You will be found "INELIGIBLE" or "NOT QUALIFIED" if you do not possess the minimum requirements described above. If your application is incomplete, you will be deemed ineligible.To preview vacancy: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12865764
Required Documents
In addition to the electronic submission of your resume and completed vacancy questionnaire, you must submit the following:
High School Students - High school report card that supports current proof of enrollment. If current proof of enrollment is not listed on the report card, you must submit proof of registered courses (screen shot) along with the high school report card.
College/university and vocational/tech students - Transcripts (official or unofficial) that supports current proof of enrollment, semesters/quarters and number of hours completed. If current proof of enrollment is not listed on the transcripts, you must submit proof of registered courses (screen shot), enrollment from the college or university's registration system or official letter from Registrar's Office.
If you are a first-year college student and do not yet have a transcript, you may submit proof of enrollment from the college or university's registration system or official letter from Registrar's Office.
For minors age 16 or 17: If selected for a student volunteer position, you must also submit a work permit prior to coming onboard.
If you are selected for a student volunteer position, you must provide a copy of your most recent report card and/or an Official transcripts on the day of your orientation or within 3 business days immediately following your orientation. These documents must show your current student status. Failure to meet the requirements or provide documentation as stated above may result in termination of your student volunteer internship.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. GAO's Human Capital office will conduct an evaluation of your key requirements listed above and your basic qualifications. Applications will remain on file for an extended amount of time. As vacancies become available selecting officials may choose from this pool of available applicants.
GAO will accept volunteers on a rolling basis with flexible start and end dates.
If you do not meet the key requirements and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.