Scholars FAQ

• 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

After our initial review, we will interview a select group of applicants in early 2025. Finalists will be notified by mid-March and shortly after your materials will be shared with agencies and partner organizations. NobleReach may reach out to candidates for additional information at any point during the application process. 

Finalists will be considered by our partner agencies and organizations. If an agency/organization believes that you may be a good fit for a position, they will reach out to you directly to schedule an interview. Selection as a NobleReach Scholar and participation in the program is contingent on a Finalist receiving and accepting an offer with an agency/organizational partner. Participation is also contingent on successful completion of a background check and/or security clearance if required by the agency/organization. 

• Recent graduate who has obtained (or will obtain) a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from an accredited institution between December 2022 and August 2025. 
• A Cumulative GPA from your most recent degree of 3.2 or higher 
• Demonstrated interest and experience in one of our five strategic domains (Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Business Process Innovation, Computing & Cybersecurity, Materials & Manufacturing).  Relevant experience can include jobs, internships, volunteer experiences, student organizations, etc. 
• U.S. citizen or authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. 

If you are a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card), or hold any other immigration status that allows you to work full-time without an employer sponsoring you now or in the future, you are eligible to apply to this program. Accordingly, due to the timing and duration of the program, we are unable to accommodate prospective scholars using OPT or STEM OPT for their work authorization. NobleReach and its partners will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

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. 

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.

NobleReach Scholar’s salaries will be determined by their placement organization 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 $15,000 for their participation in the August bootcamp and yearlong programming.

While you will not receive funding specifically for relocation, all Scholars will receive a one-time stipend of $15,000 that can be used by the scholar at their discretion. 

While many positions will be in the Washington DC Metro area, prospective Scholars should be flexible on their location preferences as locations may vary and we have partner agencies/organizations located throughout the United States. 

All interviews conducted by NobleReach will take place virtually via video conferencing. While we expect most agencies/organizations will conduct their interviews virtually, the interview method is at their discretion. 

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. 

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

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.  

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 placements. 

The NobleReach Scholars bootcamp is a multi-week intensive based in Washington DC focused on government operations, innovation strategies, and practical problem-solving, giving scholars the foundational knowledge and tools needed to drive impact in their roles from the start. The boot camp is a critical component of the yearlong programming and is required for all Scholars. The one-time stipend is intended to be used to cover living expenses during the boot camp.