Pathways Programs. The USDA Internship Program provides paid and unpaid work experience to students who are in high school or pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in an accredited college or university (including Home-Schooling, Certificate Programs and Community Colleges). As part of the USDA Pathways Programs, students and recent graduates are encouraged to engage in professional development through networking, mentoring, training and career planning. Government Training and Professional Development. Graduate School USA’s government-focused services encompass quality courses, certificate programs, leadership development, classroom and online delivery support, career services and training center management, individual assessments, and coaching and mentoring services. The Internship Program provides paid work experience to students currently enrolled in high school or an accredited college or university (this includes Home-Schooling, Certificate Programs and Community Colleges).Interns may work during the summer, fall, spring, or year round. Recent Graduates Program. The Academy for Interns and Scholars Program has additional information on the training available to interns and recent graduates through the Pathways Programs. The Pathways Programs offer clear paths to opportunities with NRCS for students from high school through post-graduate school.The Pathways Programs consist of the Internship Program, the Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP) USDA has a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Science Foundation (NSF) which allows USDA to recruit highly qualified PhD fellows on a voluntary basis, for up to 12 months. The USDA Internship Program. USDA Leadership Essentials Certificate Program (LECP) Leadership is often described as a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common goal. Pathways Programs. Eligibility: U.S. Citizen or U.S. The USDA Internship Program. The Pathways Programs offer clear paths to opportunities with NRCS for students from high school through post-graduate school.The Pathways Programs consist of the Internship Program, the Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. Permanent Resident The Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. U.S. News & World Report offers guidance to prospective students on how to decide whether to attend grad school and how to identify the correct type of program.