Traditionally, most pre-op and startup testing was done by engineers. On shift SROs don't have the time to do all the stuff needed to run a large test (research the test, review the vendor test criteria and guidance, write the procedure, get the procedure through the site review and approval process, get it approved by the NRC, set up the test equipment, schedule and run the test, review the test results, prepare the reports needed for the various licensing documents, etc.). Offshift SROs tended to be rare in the old days of startup testing, and probably still will be when the new plants start up (as people licensed on the current Vogtle plants would need to be trained and licensed separately for the new AP1000 units).
Have you looked into scholarships offered by ANS and INPO? I know ANS offers many 2000-5000 scholarships (not much, but cash is cash). INPO also used to offer some scholarships. INPO is in Atlanta, not sure if they offer internships or fellowships.