a defense industry sponsor under paragraph (1) receives pay at a rate that is not less than the equivalent of the rate of basic pay for GS–10 of the General Schedule. (e) Transition assistance The Administrative Agency shall provide advice and technical assistance to STEM Corps participants to assist the transition of such participants to long-term employment in the Department of Defense, other departments or agencies of the Federal Government, or the private-sector defense industry after the participant fulfills the service obligation under subsection (c)(1). 2200q. Security clearance required As a condition of participation in the STEM Corps each STEM Corps participant shall be required to— (1) apply for and obtain a security clearance before the conclusion of the first academic year for which the participant receives assistance under the program