Home: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About the program

1. What kind of program is the DOE Scholars Program? What is the purpose?

The DOE Scholars Program is a Department-wide program that complements other DOE workforce development initiatives. The program is designed with a variety of components that promote DOE’s strategic objectives of creating a pipeline of highly qualified college graduates in disciplinary fields that support programs in mission-critical areas of the Department of Energy.

2. How can I get more information about the DOE Scholars Program?

Review the Program Description on this Web site.

3. What is ORISE?

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) manages the DOE Scholars Program for the U.S. Department of Energy. ORISE is a U.S. Department of Energy institute focusing on scientific initiatives to research health risks from occupational hazards, assess environmental cleanup, respond to radiation medical emergencies, support national security and emergency preparedness, and educate the next generation of scientists.

4. What kinds of opportunities are available through the DOE Scholars Program?

Paid Internships
Fellowships
Scholarships
Research Opportunities
Individual Development
Travel

5. What does the internship provide?

Stipends
Travel Reimbursement
Training and Development
Hands-on Experience
Research and Technological Opportunities
Housing Subsidy for Rotational Assignments

6. How much are stipends?

Undergraduates are paid $550 per week; graduate students and postgraduates are paid $600 per week.

7. How do I apply to the DOE Scholars Program?

You must register on this Web site. See the Application Intructions page.

8. What disciplines are needed for the DOE Scholars Program?

A list of disciplines is available on this Web site.

Eligibility

9. Is there a minimum GPA to be eligible for this program?

Yes, you must have at least a 2.9 out of a possible 4.0.

10. Who can participate in this program?

A participant must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, who is an undergraduate student, graduate student, or a recent graduate with a minimum grade point average of 2.9 out of 4.0.

11. Can I apply if I am not a citizen of the United States?

No, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this program.

12. Are students who are U.S. citizens but who are attending foreign institutions eligible to apply to the program?

Yes; however, applicants must be in a degree program at a U.S. accredited college or university.

The application

13. When is the application deadline?

January 31.

14. Can I apply early?

Yes. However, reviews by DOE managers will not take place until after the application closes on January 31.

15. Who should I ask to supply my references?

You should request references from two people who can attest to your academic accomplishments and career potential. During the electronic application process, you will click on a button that sends instructions to you by e-mail for obtaining references.

16. Can I submit more than the required two references?

No, the online application system will accept only the first two references submitted on your behalf.

17. When are my references due?

References are due by the application deadline – January 31.

18. Must I submit an official transcript?

When you apply, you will be asked to enter your past and current coursework, but official transcripts will not be required unless you are selected for an internship.

19. How will I know when my application is complete?

The electronic application will not allow you to “submit” an application until all required fields are completed.

Once all the questions in the application are completed, submit the application by clicking the “submit” button. You will receive a notice on the computer screen that your application has been successfully submitted, and you will also receive an e-mail message confirming that your application has been submitted.

20. Is my online application data secure?

Absolutely. ORISE follows all Federal rules and regulations regarding personally identifiable information and data collections.

21. May I update my application after I have submitted it?

Once you have submitted the electronic application, you may not update it until after the selections are made for that year. The following October, the application cycle will reopen, at which time you may update your application for consideration for the next year.

22. How long will my application be active?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may reactivate and update your application each year.

Selection process

23. How does the selection process work?

Your electronic application will be reviewed by DOE managers across the DOE system. Selections will be based on how your education and experience match DOE needs. The managers may identify several possible candidates and make their final decisions after telephone interviews with these students.

24. How are the applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed in an electronic database by DOE managers.

25. When and how will I be notified if I am selected?

The selection process will begin February 1 and continue through May. Notifications will be made by e-mail if you are selected, followed by an official letter from ORISE.

The internships

26. When do the internships start?

Generally, internships begin the first Monday in June, but early starts may occur if housing at local dorms becomes available earlier.

27. How long do the internships last?

Ten weeks during the summer; up to 16 weeks during semester appointments.

28. Where are the internships located? If selected, do I get to choose my location?

See the location map on this Web site. In the application, you will have a choice of three locations, or you can enter “no preference.”

29. Will the program pay for my transportation to the internship site?

Yes, the ORISE Travel Office will arrange and pay for a flight from your home or institution to your appointment site. If you choose to drive, you will be reimbursed at 44.5 cents per mile for actual mileage from your home or institution to the appointment site, up to the cost of the lowest available commercial airfare.

30. Will I be required to have my personal vehicle at the site?

Some of the appointments are located in areas without public transportation, in which case, having your personal vehicle is required.

31. Does the DOE Scholars Program pay for housing? Or is there a housing allowance?

No, you are responsible for the cost of your own housing at the appointment site during your internship. ORISE will assist you in finding suitable housing.

32. Will there be any tax deductions from my stipend pay?

No. You will be entering into an administrative association with ORISE, and as such you are not an employee. This program is not considered employment, but rather is educational, and you will receive a weekly stipend. Your stipend payments will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as miscellaneous income and will be taxable.

33. If I have a conflict with the starting date, may I arrange to start my internship earlier (or later)?

No. You will be expected to start with the other interns unless there is a problem with housing availability.

General

34. Where can I learn more about the U.S. Department of Energy and its mission?

See the DOE Web page for a comprehensive look at the department and its programs.

35. Are there other educational programs managed by ORISE that I might be eligible for?

You may review eligibility and general program information for other education and research opportunities at see.orau.org.

36. If I have questions, whom should I contact?

Barbara Dunkin, Program Specialist, at doescholars@orise.orau.gov or at 865-574-6440.