Classified Ready Employee Workforce Program

The mission of the Classified Ready Employee Workforce (CREW) Program is to develop a pool of classified-ready professionals with the necessary technical, professional, and interpersonal skills required to pursue successful careers in support of national security.

The CREW Program supports U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) goals to develop a robust defense workforce pipeline, and allows participating students to:

Engage in experiential learning with defense industry partners
Learn about defense and national security affairs
Initiate their Department of Defense security clearance at the Secret level*

*Security clearance initiation is contingent on the status of PSL’s contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Students: Let us know you are interested in joining CREW

How the CREW Program Works

The CREW program runs annually from September to April and consists of three main components.

Experiential Learning

All students must be currently enrolled or participating in an experiential learning opportunity with a DoD, DoE, or defense industry partner.

Eligible experiential learning opportunities include internships, jobs, research assistantships, and capstone or senior projects. Contact the CREW team to discuss your specific situation or confirm your opportunity qualifies.

National Security Affairs Seminar

The National Security Affairs Seminar is designed to engage students in the complexities of today’s national security environment. The course offers a broad curriculum in security studies that encompasses a diverse spectrum of academic readings, contemporary issues, and perspectives.

This non-credit course meets in-person every other week in the evening from September to April. Students are expected to complete readings, online discussions, and reflections to prepare for each class session (approximately 2 hours per week).

Security Clearance Initiation

PSL is able to initiate clearances at the DoD Secret level*, typically at the start of the program in the Fall semester. Interim clearances are often granted within 2-4 weeks and many students have received full clearances by the end of the Fall semester.

*Security clearance initiation is contingent on the status of PSL’s contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.

The CREW team works to assemble the next cohort in the late summer and early fall.

Let us know you're interested

Program Highlights

We are proud to have 162 graduates from the CREW and DCTCx programs between 2020 and 2026

Most requested majors by employer sponsors: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Technician
Other majors participating: Math, Human Resources, Criminal Justice, Education
Experiential Learning opportuntities with DoD entities, National Laboratories, defense industry companies, NMSU faculty researchers, NMSU College of Engineering Capstone projects, NMSU's Physical Science Laboratory

CREW Student Feedback

PSL is invested in the experience of our students and has included internal assessment throughout the program. Below is a sampling of the feedback we have received:

Click or swipe to see more feedback

"As an Air Quality Engineer in Golden, CO, transitioning into a field outside of my major has been challenging. However, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities provided by PSL. Without them, I wouldn't have the confidence I do now in navigating this new work environment or the courage to ask questions when needed. The experience I gained through CREW has given me a strong foundation, preparing me to step up to new challenges with discipline and confidence."

Ruben Teasyatho, CREW Cohort 4

“My experience with CREW was really fun! I learned how IT differs between government and private industry (it's not too big of a difference really) and got to really brush up on my knowledge of networks, switches, routers, and learned a bit more about automation. CREW really helped broaden my view of the IT world which I'm sure will help me in my new role with Google!”

Gabriella Garcia, Fall 2020 NMSU Graduate in Computer Science (January 2021)

“I think the thing I have liked most about CREW so far is that it has given me a new perspective on national security in the U.S. Before CREW, I had a very simple understanding of what national security meant, but now I see that it is a much more complicated issue. It opened my eyes to the importance of national security and my clearance. Having a work experience that cares about your future and that wants to give you the best advantages they can get, is very much appreciated.”

CREW student response to survey (What have you liked most about CREW?)

“I feel like CREW is different because it has a large focus on discussion with other students, which allows for the sharing of multiple opinions and we can get more viewpoints on the topics we discuss. Unlike a boss at a job, I feel as though Jayme understands and wants us to succeed while ensuring she is keeping our interest. It’s much more focused around educating us. CREW is a flexible program that works with your school schedule and still delivers a great program. The level of mentorship is incredible.”

CREW student response to survey (How is CREW different than other internships or co-ops you have participated in?)

Employers of Program Graduates

Employers of CREW Program Graduates: Northrop Grumman, Virgin Galactic, General Dynamics, LANAL, Sandia, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Peraton,Google, Ratheon, AIG, Navy, WHSMR, Honeywell, PSL, Hill Air Force base, Samson, and Best Buy

Become a CREW Employer Sponsor

Strengthen your cleared workforce pipeline by partnering with New Mexico State University. As a CREW employer sponsor, you’ll collaborate with our team to match qualified students with your co-op position at the NMSU campus, located in Anderson Hall at the Physical Science Laboratory, a cleared contractor facility.

For more information, please contact the CREW team (crew@psl.nmsu.edu) or fill out this form.

Paige Wheeler | Phone: (575) 646-9315
Marcella Shelby | Phone: (575) 646-9201

Supporting the National Security Workforce of the Future

The CREW Program was developed by PSL with the guidance of an Advisory Council composed of former PSL student employees and NMSU Alumni that are leaders in the national security, defense and research fields. Our notable Advisory Council members see first-hand the looming workforce pipeline crisis ahead, and know that the CREW Program and graduating NMSU students represent a solution that can serve as a national workforce development model.

CREW Advisory Council

Christopher Long, General Dynamics

Manny Mora, General Dynamics (retired)

Steve Omick, Riverside Research

Linnea Sands, Sandia National Laboratories

Mike Steinzig, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Allyson Yarbrough, Aerospace Corporation

CREW Program Fund

Manny Mora profile picture

The CREW Program Fund was founded by the generous support of former PSL student employee and distinguished NMSU Alumni, Manny Mora, who previously held the position of Vice President and General Manager of Space and Intelligence Systems for General Dynamics Mission Systems before retiring

INVEST in the CREW Program and CREW Students by contacting Marcella Shelby, Strategic Initiatives Officer at PSL at mshelby@psl.nmsu.edu or 575-646-9201

Invest Now

New Mexico State University
Physical Science Laboratory