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Program Details

The Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program (MEISPP) can provide you with a great summer learning experience within the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE sponsors more physical science than any other U.S. federal agency, but with over 14,000 employees and 90,000 contractors, DOE is a lot more than just science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students (undergraduates and graduate) and recent graduates (within the last two years) in most majors can find an opportunity to be a part of the DOE’s mission “to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.”

Students and recent graduates studying in these areas are encouraged to apply:

  • Engineering - Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Material, Mechanical, Metallurgical, Nuclear, and Petroleum
  • Sciences - Biological, Computer, Information Technology, Geology, Math, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Physics
  • Social Sciences - Economics, International Relations, Law, National Security, Organizational Psychology, Policy, Political Science and Sociology
  • Business - Accounting, Business Administration, Communication, Finance, Management, and Public Administration

MEISPP offers 12-week assignments from May 20 through August 9, 2024. The first two weeks are a virtual “MEISPP Prep” course to get you ready for your summer assignment. The MEISPP Prep is part time and culminates in an in-person orientation at DOE headquarters in Washington, D.C. Some assignments may continue during the academic year.

Do something big this summer—intern with the DOE!

“I am truly proud to be among the many engineers, scientists, researchers, and changemakers whose career paths have been propelled or enhanced by the Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program. This experience has been irreplaceable...!”
-Franny Anunobi, graduate student, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Water Power Technologies Office



 

  • Why should I apply?

    Details and information about the benefits of applying for this appointment.

    As a program participant, you will gain:

    • Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
      • MEISPP kicks off with MEISPP Prep, designed to help you hone your interpersonal and leadership skills, develop your professional identity, and introduce you to the Department of Energy.
    • Ready to Work Program
      • MEISPP interns complete the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity’s Ready to Work (R2W) program, which prepares you to navigate the path to a federal career.
    • Monday Morning Mentor
      • In addition to working with a subject-matter mentor in your sponsoring office, you will join your MEISPP colleagues in weekly sessions to learn from leaders from across the DOE complex.
  • Intern Selection Process

    Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and compliance before moving forward to the merit review and final selection.

    Applications are reviewed by ORISE for eligibility and compliance before being offered to mentors at host offices and labs to determine if there is a match between your knowledge, skills and interests and the available projects. Mentors may contact you for interviews and will submit selections to ORISE. Mentor selection is only part of the review process and does not guarantee that you will be selected for participation. Only ORISE, on behalf of MEISPP and based on the recommendations of the hosting facilities, can offer you a MEISPP internship. Formal offers will be sent through Zintellect.
  • Conditions of the Appointment

    Information on commitment, health insurance, reporting and policies.

    Verification of enrollment and GPA

    Current Students: At the time appointment is accepted, you must provide copies of official transcripts to verify the GPA requirement and proof of enrollment during Winter/Spring academic term at a qualified MSI. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale as of Fall academic term is required to participate. The submitted copy of official transcripts issued by the Registrar’s Office must include official university markings such as the registrar’s signature, university logo or stamp, letterhead or watermark. Transcript must include courses in progress during the Spring term.

    Recent Graduates: At the time appointment is accepted, you must provide copies of official transcripts to verify graduation from a qualified MSI within the past two years (Spring semester 2022 or later) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The submitted copy of official transcripts issued by the Registrar’s Office must include official university markings such as the registrar’s signature, university logo or stamp, letterhead or watermark. Transcript must include courses in progress during the Spring term.

    Length of the Appointment

    The MEISPP program offers 12-week summer internships starting May 20 and finishing August 9, 2024. Some offices may offer interns the opportunity to continue their internship during the academic year on a part time basis.

    • Deliverables: You will create a video describing your internship experience and submit a final report in the form of a poster or short presentation.

    Health insurance

    You are required to have health insurance coverage during your appointment period and to provide proof of coverage prior to the start of your internship.

    Attendance Schedule

    Program guidelines require that you commit yourself to continuous participation for the duration of the appointment and avoid obligations that will interrupt your appointment. You will be expected to commit to a schedule agreed upon between you and your mentor to activities carried out in support of your appointment.

    Facility Access and Security Clearances

    You will be required to adhere to existing policies, regulations and procedures of your hosting facility including security clearance, and health and safety requirements.

    Internships are contingent upon receipt of the necessary approvals to access the assigned facility/office. While you will not enter into an employment relationship with DOE, ORISE, or any other agency, you may be required to complete pre-employment background check based on site guidance. Your appointment is contingent upon favorable outcome of the pre-appointment check.

    Mentors will be asked to provide unclassified project assignments.

    Citizenship

    U.S. citizenship is required for participation in the program. Hosting facilities may require documentation to verify your citizenship status.

    Reporting

    • Pre/Post Surveys: In order to document the effectiveness of the program, you are required to submit a pre- and post-internship survey to assess the effectiveness of the program in meeting objectives and document your experience.
    • Final Report: You will also be required to submit a final report including a brief description of the project assignment(s), accomplishments, publications, and benefits to your educational and professional development.
  • What will I receive?

    This section describes the stipend and travel allowances available.

    Stipends

    Summer Session

    • Undergraduate student - $750 per week
    • Graduated with bachelor’s degree - $850/week
    • Graduate student - $950 per week
    • Graduated with master’s degree - $1,050/week
    • Graduated with doctoral degree - $1,150/week

    Note: The first two weeks are virtual and require only part-time commitment, so the stipend will be adjusted accordingly.

    During Academic Terms

    Stipends will be based upon a schedule agreed upon with your mentor.

    In-person Orientation

    The program will pay for your travel to Washington, D.C. for the MEISPP opening ceremony and orientation.

    Virtual Internships Summer Session

    If no relocation is required to complete your summer appointment, you will receive a stipend supplement of $150 per week to offset the cost of remote participation.

  • Nature of Appointment

    This program is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

    Interns will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, or the hosting site. Instead, interns will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

  • Training and Professional Development

    MEISPP interns will have multiple opportunities to participate in individual and group professional development to further their skills and abilities.

    Welcome and Closing Ceremonies

    All interns will travel to Washington, D.C. for the opening ceremony which will be held at DOE Headquarters. The summer will finish with a closing ceremony that provides interns an opportunity to showcase their summer projects.

    Professional Development Sessions

    Several professional development opportunities are scheduled during the summer. The programs kicks off with MEISPP Prep, which is two weeks of virtual workshops and meetings that will help set you up for a strong start to your internship experience. These two seeks culminate in an in-person orientation session in Washington, D.C.

    Throughout the summer the Monday Morning Mentor sessions will provide you an opportunity to learn from leaders across the DOE complex, and the Ready to Work (R2W) program will guide you through the process of preparing for and applying to federal positions.

    ORISE Learn

    You will have access to the following professional development modules:

    • Effective Science Presentations
    • Making a Great Poster
    • Professional Branding: Resume Workshop
    • Volunteerism in Science
    • Ignite Talks
    • Scientific Code of Conduct

Want to learn more, or need help creating a strong application?

Come to our Application Assistance Workshops for more information on MEISPP, application assistance, and answers to any questions you may have!

Application Assistance Workshops 
Watch the recording or view the slidedeck (.PDF, 5.4 MB)