DHS Honors Program

Secretary Napolitano Announces Employment Honors Program at Academic Advisory Council Meeting

Release Date: 

October 24, 2012

For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON– Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today announced the creation of the Secretary’s Honors Program (SHP), a new initiative to recruit exceptional recent graduates for careers at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The announcement was made at a meeting of the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC), a federal advisory committee comprised of prominent university presidents and academic leaders. 

“DHS is committed to providing rewarding and challenging careers for the next generation of homeland security leaders,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The Secretary’s Honors Program will help build a pipeline of talent critical to DHS’ missions and ensure the Department employs the most qualified, and highly trained workforce both now and in the future.”

Qualified candidates for the SHP compete for a limited number of positions across the Department, and are selected based on their academic performance, experience and other criteria. This premier program includes six different career tracks, and individuals who possess relevant graduate or undergraduate degrees may apply for fellowships related to information technology, cybersecurity, policy, management, emergency management, and law. 

Those selected for the program will be offered a variety of incentives and enhanced career opportunities including Department rotations, mentorships, focused on-the-job training and inclusion in various professional development programs. Each fellowship lasts one or two years, and participants may have the opportunity to convert to permanent federal positions at DHS. 

Learn more about the SHP at www.dhs.gov/secretarys-honors-program.