Scientific research conducted through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supports an improved quality of life for all Americans. With a mission focused on discovering solutions to power and to secure America’s future, DOE is committed to:

• Energy security
• Nuclear security
• Scientific discovery and innovation
• Environmental responsibility
• Management excellence

The DOE has many opportunities for students to become involved in research.  If you are taking classes at least half-time, you may be interested in the Intern Program.  If you are looking for a position where you focus on research and are not taking classes, look into the Stipend-based Internships. You may find additional opportunities at individual National Laboratories.

Intern Program

The intern program allows students taking at least a half-time course load in an accredited high school, home schooling program, technical school, vocational school, two- or four- year college or university, or graduate or professional school to be part of a cooperative-learning environment. The program offers flexible work schedules, competitive pay, and the ability to gain experience while still completing your academic pursuits.

Stipend-based Internships

These stipend-based programs are temporary positions and do not lead to a permanent Federal position. They offer insight into how the agency works and an opportunity to be part of innovation and technology, as well as gain hands-on experience while networking with other professionals.

There are separate database entries for two of the Stipend-based internships:

• The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI)
• The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF)

Other opportunities include: 

• DOE Scholars Program
  The DOE Scholars Program offers unique opportunities that introduce students or post-graduates to the agency’s mission and operations. Participants in the DOE Scholars Program gain a competitive edge as they apply their education, talent and skills in a variety of scientific research settings within the DOE complex. Appointments are available for a variety of disciplines at participating DOE facilities nationwide.
• National Geothermal Student Competition (GSC), sponsored by the Geothermal Technologies Office in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), seeks to engage college and university students in our goal of advancing the development of geothermal as a domestic clean energy resource.
• Fermilab Summer Internships

Additional DOE internships can be found at Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates to Federal Careers and here.  You should also check at individual National Laboratories for site specific opportunities (often listed at Internship and Fellowship Opportunities in Science)

Keywords: Department of Energy; DOE; Scholars Program; MEISPP; Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program; stipend; federal; intern; summer; science; engineering; technology; math; pathways