The U.S. Department of Energy Paid Internship Program is now accepting applications for its paid internship and fellowship opportunities, offering students and recent graduates the chance to work alongside leading scientists, engineers, researchers, and energy professionals. These highly competitive programs provide hands-on experience in clean energy, advanced research, engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and national security while supporting the Department’s mission to advance America’s energy future.
Whether you’re pursuing science, engineering, technology, mathematics, environmental studies, computer science, or other related disciplines, DOE internship programs offer valuable professional experience, generous stipends, mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge research conducted at national laboratories across the United States.
About the U.S. Department of Energy Internship Programs
The Department of Energy offers a wide range of stipend-based internships and fellowships designed to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and technical professionals.
These temporary programs provide practical experience working on real-world projects that support clean energy innovation, scientific discovery, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, nuclear security, environmental sustainability, and national energy resilience.
While these internships do not automatically lead to permanent federal employment, they provide outstanding professional development and can strengthen future career opportunities in government, academia, and industry.
Available Internship Programs
Applicants can explore several prestigious DOE internship opportunities, including:
- Community College Internships (CCI)
- DOE Scholars Program
- Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF)
- Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program (MEISPP)
- National Laboratory Internships
- NNSA Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP)
- Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
- Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program
- Visiting Faculty Program (VFP)
Each program is designed to support different academic levels and career interests across science, engineering, technology, and energy research.
Community College Internships (CCI)
The Community College Internships program encourages community college students to pursue technical careers aligned with the Department of Energy’s mission.
Participants complete research and technical training experiences at DOE National Laboratories during:
- Summer Term (10 weeks)
- Fall Term (10 weeks)
- Spring Term (10 weeks)
Students work directly with laboratory scientists, engineers, and technical experts while gaining valuable practical experience.
DOE Scholars Program
The DOE Scholars Program provides undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates with practical experience supporting Department of Energy initiatives.
Participants contribute to projects involving:
- Science
- Engineering
- Technology
- Energy Policy
- Environmental Research
- National Security
- Public Administration
Appointments are generally short-term and provide meaningful exposure to federal government operations.
Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF)
The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship is one of DOE’s flagship STEM development programs.
The fellowship provides:
- Hands-on research experience
- Weekly stipend
- Housing allowance
- Paid travel expenses
- Professional mentoring
- Networking opportunities
Students conduct research supporting the Office of Fossil Energy while developing technical and leadership skills.
Applications typically open between October and January.
Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program (MEISPP)
MEISPP aims to strengthen participation in STEM careers by providing internship opportunities for students attending Minority Serving Institutions.
Benefits include:
- Competitive stipend
- Paid housing
- Round-trip airfare
- Professional development seminars
- Research experience at DOE headquarters, national laboratories, and field offices
National Laboratory Internships
The Department of Energy oversees numerous world-renowned National Laboratories that conduct groundbreaking scientific research.
Internship opportunities are available across laboratories working in areas including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Quantum Computing
- Clean Energy
- Climate Science
- Nuclear Energy
- Fusion Research
- Materials Science
- Robotics
- Cybersecurity
- Advanced Computing
- Environmental Research
- High Performance Computing
Interns work alongside leading scientists and engineers while contributing to nationally significant research projects.
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
SULI encourages undergraduate students and recent graduates to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Participants conduct research under the supervision of laboratory scientists on projects supporting DOE’s scientific mission.
Internship durations include:
- Summer: 10 weeks
- Fall: 16 weeks
- Spring: 16 weeks
Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR)
The SCGSR Program supports graduate students conducting thesis research in scientific areas aligned with the DOE Office of Science mission.
Students receive supplemental awards to perform part of their graduate research at DOE laboratories while working alongside internationally recognized researchers.
Visiting Faculty Program (VFP)
The Visiting Faculty Program supports faculty members from historically underrepresented institutions by providing collaborative research opportunities at DOE laboratories.
Faculty members work with laboratory scientists while strengthening research capacity at their home institutions.
Fields of Study
The Department of Energy welcomes applicants from numerous academic disciplines, including:
- Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Environmental Science
- Climate Science
- Renewable Energy
- Nuclear Engineering
- Materials Science
- Robotics
- Biology
- Earth Science
- Energy Systems
- Information Technology
- Public Policy
- Economics
- Other STEM disciplines
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the individual program.
Benefits
Depending on the program, participants may receive:
- Competitive stipend
- Paid housing
- Housing allowance
- Travel reimbursement
- Paid round-trip airfare
- Hands-on laboratory experience
- Professional mentoring
- Research opportunities
- Networking with DOE scientists and engineers
- Career development workshops
- Leadership training
- Access to world-class research facilities
Why Apply?
DOE internship programs provide participants with the opportunity to:
- Conduct real scientific research
- Work alongside internationally recognized experts
- Gain practical laboratory experience
- Build professional networks
- Develop technical and leadership skills
- Strengthen graduate school applications
- Explore careers in energy and national laboratories
- Contribute to clean energy innovation
- Support climate and sustainability research
- Advance cutting-edge technologies
Application Process
Most programs require applicants to:
- Select an eligible internship or fellowship.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit an updated CV or résumé.
- Provide academic transcripts.
- Upload any required supporting documents.
- Submit recommendation letters if requested.
- Participate in interviews where applicable.
Application periods vary depending on the internship program.
Why Choose the U.S. Department of Energy?
The Department of Energy manages some of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities and leads research in clean energy, artificial intelligence, national security, quantum science, and advanced manufacturing.
Interns gain valuable experience contributing to projects that address some of today’s most important scientific and technological challenges while building careers that can shape the future of global energy and innovation.
Conclusion
The U.S. Department of Energy Paid Internship Program offers exceptional opportunities for students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in science, engineering, clean energy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced research. Through generous stipends, mentoring, laboratory research, and professional development, these internships provide an excellent foundation for future careers in STEM and public service.
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