What is the NDIP Program?

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) National Diversity Internship Program (NDIP) provides internship opportunities to diverse undergraduate and graduate students, currently enrolled, full-time or part-time, in a degree-seeking program, at an accredited post-secondary institution. Sessions offered during the spring, summer, and fall for students from various institutions such as, but not limited to Minority Serving Institutions (i.e., Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Asian American Pacific Islanders, Tribal Colleges and Universities).

To be selected for an internship through the NDIP program, students must apply through an approved organization. Akytech Consulting LLC is an approved vendor under the NDIP program.


Eligibility Criteria

To be accepted into the NDIP, students must be in good standing; currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking program, full-time or part-time from an accredited post-secondary institution; and be a U.S. citizen (a lawful permanent resident or otherwise legally eligible to work in the United States per FAR Part 22.18). Students interested in participating in the NDIP must apply directly to the approved participating vendors. Akytech is an approved vendor under the NDIP program.

To be accepted into the NDIP, students must be

  • In good standing, and currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited College or University
  • A recent student graduate from an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university – to qualify as a recent graduate the student’s official graduation date cannot exceed six (6) months before the start date of the internship
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States per FAR Part 22.18
  • Able to pass a background investigation
  • Must not be a current Federal employee
  • At least a 2.5 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale

Internship Experience

Interns are generally placed in a suitable intern position based on their skills, knowledge, and experience. Participants are required to complete 40 hours per week onsite at a VA headquarters or field facility. Tasks include, but are not limited to project assignments, and attending seminars, workshops, career development sessions, etc. Generally, all events will occur during normal business hours.

The NDIP program provides students with an opportunity to intern in a variety of career fields such as

  • Medical relate fields
  • Human Resources
  • Communications
  • Business / Finance
  • Contracting
  • Information Technology
  • Veterans Claims Examiner
  • Cemetery Administration

Duration

The sessions are 10-15 weeks long. Spring and fall sessions run from January to May, and September to December respectively. The summer session is ten weeks long and runs from June to August. Participants are required to complete 40 hours per week onsite at a VA headquarters or field facility.

Tasks

Tasks include, but are not limited to project assignments, attending seminars, workshops, career development sessions.
The NDIP program places interns in a suitable intern position based on their skills, knowledge, and experience. Typically, all events will occur during regular business hours.

Stipend

Students selected to participate in NDIP will receive bi-monthly stipend payments from Akytech Consulting LLC, and if needed, round trip transportation to the internship site, and housing at the internship location.

Link to Apply

To apply for NDIP internship, please use the following URL: https://www.akytechconsulting.com/careers/current-openings

When applying, the students must include following

  • Full Name
  • Contact Information
  • Resume
  • Details of the academic institution, GPA, degree
  • Most recent Transcript/Grade Record/Report
  • Letter of reference from a department chair, professor, or academic advisor

Benefits to Interns

  • Gain valuable work and career-related experience
  • Bi-weekly stipend paid job opportunity
  • Opportunity to explore career avenues alongside VA professionals
  • Gain relevant work experience to enhance your resume
  • Build self-confidence
  • Enhance post-secondary learning methods
  • Networking and Establishing Mentors and References
  • Assist VA to accomplish its mission

      NDIP Frequently Asked Questions

      How are NDIP interns recruited?

      VA uses the services of contracted organizations to recruit students from diverse backgrounds. These organizations include, but are not limited to, Minority Serving Institutions, e.g., Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Asian American Colleges, Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities.

      If I don’t belong to a minority group or attend a Minority Serving Institution, am I still eligible to apply?

      Although the goal of the internship program is to recruit students from diverse backgrounds, the internship program is open to all students who meet the criteria of the program. Contracted organizations accept applications from all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or participation as a minority-serving institution.

      Are students paid for their internships?

      Yes, NDIP interns receive a stipend from the selecting organization. Stipend amounts vary and are based on the educational level of the student.

      Are NDIP Interns VA employees?

      NDIP Interns are not VA employees. Interns are employees of the contracted organization that recruited them. As a result, NDIP Interns are considered contract employees for the duration of their internship.

      Contact Information

      Akytech Consulting LLC
      POC: Meenakshi Arora
      Email: marora@akytechconsulting.com
      Phone: (703) 992-5936

      OST Inc.
      POC: Nishi Narula
      Email: nnarula@ostglobal.com
      Phone: (301) 518-2623