The Office of University Programs (OUP) supports efforts to develop workforce and professional development initiatives to cultivate the current and future homeland security science and engineering workforce.
About Workforce Development Initiatives
OUP workforce development initiatives are cultivating a cadre of professionals dedicated to the DHS mission. Students supported through these programs may become the next generation of homeland security leaders by developing the supporting knowledge, interests, and skills required to succeed academically in homeland security-related activities. OUP supports the current homeland security workforce through professional and educational development programs, ensuring the workforce is mission-ready. These programs collectively help ensure a steady stream of homeland security science, technology, engineering, and math professionals to meet current and future homeland security challenges.
Professional Development Tools & Resources
OUP’s Centers of Excellence (COE) produce various tools that are broadly available to the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) workforce within federal, state, and local governments. Current professionals can use these resources to promote resiliency and help build a more prepared workforce. They can also help ensure the HSE community is up-to-date with the most effective tools to combat the ever-evolving homeland security threats.
Homeland Security Professional Opportunities for Student Workforce to Experience Research (HS-POWER)
Sponsored by OUP, the HS-POWER program aims to promote long-term relationships between students, researchers, DHS personnel, and research facilities to develop a diverse, educated, and skilled pool of STEM professionals. The program provides undergraduate and graduate students paid opportunities to participate in quality homeland security-related research experiences. Students have the opportunity to work with DHS components, federal research laboratories, and other HS-STEM-focused entities nationwide, either onsite or in a virtual environment. Go to STEM Internships and Fellowships.