Student Volunteer Service Program (SVSP) Savannah Local Office

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency pledged to eradicating harassment and employment discrimination in the workplace. The EEOC  is committed to the enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA), The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) all aimed at preventing and remedying employment discrimination.

The EEOC Savannah Local Office offers externship opportunities in Enforcement (Investigations), Charge Receipt (Intake), Alternative Dispute Resolutions (Mediations), Legal (Litigations) and Hearings (Federal EEO cases). All volunteer service opportunities are unpaid; however, students may receive academic credit from their accredited educational institution.

Program Benefits: The SVSP is designed to provide educationally related assignments that complement the individuals unique course of study. Students who have expressed interest in civil rights and/or public service endeavors are encouraged to apply. Through their experience, students are exposed to Equal Employment Opportunity laws and case processing procedures to better prepare them for  future endeavors.

Expectations: Student volunteers are encouraged to immerse themselves in EEOC functions during their service. The investigative process, mediations, federal EEO hearings procedures, outreach and education  and litigations are some of the many educational opportunities offered. Students will work closely with an assigned supervisor during their service. Duties include, but are not limited to, drafting charges of discrimination, developing interrogatory plans, conducting witness interviews, conducting foreign language translations and researching causes.

Program Requirements:

• At least 16 years old, or in the 10th grade or equivalent
• Currently enrolled at least half­time in an accredited educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• Successful completion of all federal and local prerequisite documentation
  • Must provide two forms of federal issued identification (i.e., Driver’s License, U.S. Passport/Passport Card, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, etc.)
• Active Student Volunteer Service Agreement between the EEOC and the educational institution
  • Signed by appropriate school official (i.e. Career Services Advisor, Assistant Dean of Students, Admissions Department, International Student Services Coordinator)
• Successful completion of security pre­screening documents and procedures  processed by Headquarter Personnel Security Officers (PSO)
• Successful completion of fingerprint credentialing
• Offer letter signed by the appropriate school official (i.e., Career Services, Assistant Dean of Students, Admissions Department, International Student Services Coordinator)
  • All offers remain contingent until all forms have been signed, returned and cleared by Headquarters Personnel Security Officers (PSO). All forms must cleared by PSO prior to receiving a formal offer letter and orientation date.
• Must attend orientation prior to beginning service
• Must complete EEOC Security Awareness Training after orientation
• Non­US citizens studying under an  F – 1 Student Visa , must obtain and provide Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization (Form I – 20)
  • Form I – 20 is to be completed by the appropriate school official (i.e. International Student Services Coordinator) authorizing the student’s participation in an externship program or work related occupation tied to the degree program off campus.  Form I – 20must specify the employment period with the EEOC and the individual must be in possession of a valid U.S. Social Security Number prior to entrance on duty date.

Application Deadlines:

Fall semester – May 1^st     (Externship begins in August)  

Spring semester – October 1^st (Externship begins in January)  

Summer semester – February 1^st (Externship begins in May)  

Though the above deadlines exist to coincide with the academic semester, applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Due to security clearance processing requirements, please submit applications 45 days prior to anticipated start date.

Though some offers are made on a rolling basis, length of service generally coincides with the academic semester.  Volunteer service opportunities last about 14 weeks. This timeframe may vary depending on the length/hours of commitment and prior obligations. Students are eligible to work under half-time,   full­time or intermittent schedules, dedicating 9­40 hours per week. Dependent on the successful completion of the first term, and supervisory approval, students are eligible to participate in the program for up to two academic semesters not to exceed 9 calendar months. Consecutive semesters are not required.

Application Packet Requirements:

• Resume
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Most recent Transcript issued by the educational institution to confirm enrollment status (unofficial copies are acceptable)
  • Self-typed transcripts are not permitted

Interested students should send a complete application packet to Bianca N. Harper via email.

Bianca N. Harper | Management Support Specialist
U.S. EEOC Atlanta District Office
100 Alabama Street, SW, Suite 4R30
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(470) 531 – 4767 | bianca.harper@eeoc.gov

For more information, please visit EEOC Savannah Local Office.

For information about accredited educational institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, please visit Is my school accredited?