Engineering Technology Career Scholars Program
Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars is an excellent opportunity for graduating or graduated high school students to get into an in-demand technology career.
Data Center Operations and Semiconductor Manufacturing (part of the engineering technology industry) are big in Northern Virginia and only getting bigger. However, there is a shortage of skilled talent compared to the number of jobs - that's why so many high-paying careers are available in those sectors.
This is where the ET Career Scholars program at NOVA comes in - to give you the skills necessary to fill that gap and embark on a fulfilling, successful career path. But here's the best part - if you are a high school student graduating in 2025 (or already graduated), you can get a full FREE YEAR at NOVA to prepare you for an in-demand and high-paying career in data center operations or semiconductor manufacturing.
The current ET Career Scholars program is already underway, but there will be more openings for the 2025-26 academic year, and spots in the program will be in demand. Applications will be available in January 2025.
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Participate in a summer bridge program
- The bridge program will provide a structured introduction to the college environment, identify and support students in completing mathematics requirements, promote cohort cohesion, and will introduce the data center industry or semiconductor industry and the career opportunities available.
Have an academic year block schedule (cohort)
- Career Scholars will complete NOVA's Data Center Operations (DCO) career studies certificate (CSC) or an Engineering Technology CSC focusing on the semiconductor field. The classes (26 credits) will be completed in the Fall and Spring semesters. Students will progress through their coursework as a cohort, with structured co-curricular tutoring, mentoring, and professional preparation during the academic year. Block schedules will be structured to allow students to maintain existing out-of-school commitments (e.g., part-time employment, family care, etc.).
- During the application process, NOVA staff will work with each student to apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA), Virginia G3, and scholarships to cover tuition costs.
Receive a guaranteed interview for an internship with a data center partner or semiconductor industry partner
- The intent of the interview is to select interns for summer internships after they have completed the ET Career Scholars program and provide them with valuable professional development experience.
- Those selected for internships will work a maximum of 150 hours and work no less than 15 hours per week. The duration of the internship is dependent on the number of hours worked each week (e.g., 30 hours per week for 5 weeks = 150 hours). Interns will be paid a maximum stipend of $3,000 or $20 per hour.
The ET Career Scholars Program will provide:
Participant Stipends
- $500 stipend for summer bridge program completion
- Up to $3,000 academic year living stipend for participation in work-based learning and professional preparation activities ($1,500 Fall and $1,500 Spring)
- Up to $3,000 stipend for industry internship.
- Up to $1,000 for professional supplies (e.g. ET toolkit, PPE, professional attire, etc.)
Tuition
- $5,690.36 for 26 academic credits ($218.86 per credit)
Maximum TOTAL Program Support* per Scholar - $13,190
*Total program support is a maximum value and individual support may vary based on qualifications, financial aid determinations, and scholar performance as applicable by federal and state policies and procedures.
Feel free to contact systemic@nvcc.edu with any additional questions!