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Program Details

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. Undergraduates and graduate students 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 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, 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 10-week assignments from June 5th through August 11th, 2023. Some assignments may continue part time 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:

    • Technical Experience
      • Work with a mentor to gain substantive professional and technical career experience. Mentors are subject matter experts in the U.S. Department of Energy and will help you connect your internship experience to the larger context of your professional interests.
    • Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
      • Participate in workshops that are designed to develop well-rounded leaders. Workshops may address topics such as time management, development of a professional identity, or effective communication skills.
    • Career Opportunities
      • Network with experts throughout the U.S. Department of Energy and its national laboratories and to explore career opportunities throughout the summer.

  • 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

    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.

    Length of the Appointment

    The MEISPP program offers 10-week summer internships starting June 5 and finishing August 11, 2023. Some offices may offer interns the opportunity to continue their internship during the academic year on a part time basis.

    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. During the summer session, you are expected to maintain a full-time schedule based on 40 hours a week. For part-time appointments during the academic year, you will be expected to commit the number of hours a week 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-employment 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 are the benefits?

    This section describes the stipend and travel benefits available.

    Stipends

    Summer Session (Full-Time Appointments)

    • Undergraduate student - $750 per week
    • Graduate student - $950 per week

    During Academic Terms (Part-time Appointments)

    Stipends for part-time appointments will be prorated based on the expected level of effort.

     

    In Person/Hybrid Summer Session

    The following benefits will be offered if you relocate more than 50 miles from your home location during the summer.

    • Commuting: a stipend supplement of $50 per week to offset expenses associated with commuting to/from your official assigned location and local meetings/training.
    • Housing: a stipend supplement will be paid based on the assigned location. Supplements range from $343 - $777 per week.
    • Inbound-Outbound Travel: Up to $1000 reimbursement for limited inbound/outbound transportation expenses from your current address to the assigned location.

    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

    An in-person welcome will be held for interns at DOE headquarters; virtual participation will be available for interns posted outside the Washington DC area. 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.

    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