Student Programs

Strengthening the National Security Workforce with DoD CDAO

PSL’s Student Programs create a vital connection between future talent and the current defense workforce, serving the needs of the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and the defense industrial base. Our pipeline focuses on early outreach (K-12), college pathways through our Gateway to Hire program, and supporting the current defense workforce.

PSL Student Programs Pipeline

For over 75 years, NMSU students have been at the forefront of applied research, with nearly 20,000 students and co-ops employed during this time. PSL’s initiatives benefit not only students but also educators, faculty, and defense employers who play a critical role in their success.

Through congressional support, PSL has partnered with the DoD’s Chief Digital AI Office to create a regionally aligned recruiting effort focused on national security, minority-serving institutions, and the federal workforce. In September 2024, the initiative expanded to include UTEP, NM Tech, and military installations across the Southwest.

Early Outreach (K-12)

Programs that Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators

PSL is currently engaged in two impactful high school initiatives:

  1. Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) Academic Career Experience (ACE):
    ACE offers students in Las Cruces Public Schools hands-on experience in career fields they’re interested in. This program allows students to earn graduation credits by working in environments relevant to their career goals.

  2. STEM Mavericks Summer Camp:
    In collaboration with Trenchant Analytics, PSL hosts this summer camp to immerse students in STEM activities. STEM Mavericks is designed to spark a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math through real-world applications and interactive projects.Join the STEM Mavericks Interest List

Gateway to Hire

Building Pathways to National Security Careers

Since 1946, PSL has supported students in gaining real-world experience and connecting with national security employers. Our CREW Program provides a pathway for students interested in national security careers, offering unique experiences that help bridge the gap between academia and industry.

 

Explore CREW

Learn More about how CREW facilitates experiential learning, initiates security clearance, and deepens understanding of national security.

 

Special Note: 
PSL is proud to have been the early pilot for DoD's Defense Civilian Training Corp Program.  Through funding from DoD's Chief Digital AI Office.   PSL was asked to utilize our tested and established CREW Program for two cohorts of what would be called DCTCx. From September 2022-May 2024,  Twenty-six (26) DCTCx students received training in national security and defense acquisition and completed experiential learning experiences with DoD partners.  Capstone projects and internships/Co-Ops were sponsored by White Sands Missile Range Test Center, DEVCOM Analysis Center and Naval Surface Warfare Center (Port Hueneme Division, White Sands Detachment)
CREW Triangle: Experiential Learning Opportunity to National Security Affairs Seminar to Security Clearance Initiation

Connect

Current Workforce

NMSU-PSL developed the Defense Leadership Certificate (DLC) to align with the workforce development goals of White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). The program initially focused on addressing DoD-specific professional development needs and expanded to include courses such as Building Trust in Highly Effective Organizations, Effective Communications, and Mentorship. Led by defense and academic experts, these courses have met WSMR’s leadership objectives, with 90 defense civilians participating in FY2024. In FY2025, the DLC will add courses in Artificial Intelligence to bridge key skill gaps in the defense civilian workforce.