Information for Applicants
Applications are accepted from current students. Review the applicant information and program details below for more information and contact ORISE contact ORISE with any additional questions.
Additional Information
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Eligibility
The EM MSIPP STARS is an educational and training program designed to provide college students opportunities to participate in project-specific research and developmental activities. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Am I Eligible? section of the home page.
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Applicant Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and compliance before moving forward to the merit review and final selection.
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Nature of Appointment
This program is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).
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Scholars will not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE-EM, or the hosting site. Instead, Scholars will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
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Conditions of the Appointment
Information on academic verification, facility access, security clearances, and citizenship.
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Verification of Enrollment and GPA
At the time the appointment is accepted, you must provide copies of official transcripts to verify the GPA requirement and proof of enrollment at a qualified MSI. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required to participate. 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. Transcripts must include courses in progress during each academic term.
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.
Citizenship
U.S. citizenship is required for participation in the program. Hosting facilities may require documentation to verify your citizenship status.
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Application Cycle
Timeline of the EM MSIPP STARS program can be found on the Application Cycle page.
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Hosting Facilities
Available opportunities may be available at DOE and EM national laboratories across the United States, DOE/EM offices in Washington, D.C., and site offices. Available appointments at hosting facilities will be determined by DOE-EM.
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Training and Professional Development
All EM MSIPP STARS will participate in individual and group training and development to help further their skills and abilities for their positions.
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Scholars will be required to attend an Orientation Meeting in Washington, D.C. at the start of their first summer in the program.
Professional development activities will focus on preparing students for successful participation in the program and summer experiences, increasing knowledge on topics relevant to environmental management, and developing professional and personal skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions most commonly asked by applicants.
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No, participation is limited to students enrolled in an MSI that meets the statutory criteria for identification as an MSI found at Minority-Serving-Institution-Designation-List.xlsx (live.com)
To apply, you may upload unofficial transcripts or copies of the student academic records printed from internal institutional systems. If selected, you will have to provide copies of official transcripts before you can start an appointment. Academic records must include the following information. Your application will not be considered if any of the elements are missing.
- Applicant name
- Name, logo, web address, or other markings identifying the academic institution
- Fall 2024 enrollment (i.e., courses in progress or statement confirming enrollment in Fall 2024)
- In progress/completed courses and grades for the equivalent of two years
- Most recent cumulative GPA
- Degree in progress
Yes. Editing an application requires you to withdraw your application. You must submit your application again before the opportunity closes to be considered for the opportunity. Please ensure that the application status shows as Submitted - complete in your dashboard by the deadline.
No, participation may not be deferred. During the Scholarship, medical and military deferral will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A request for a deferral must be submitted in writing to ORISE, who will then forward the request to EM.
You are responsible for arranging your housing accommodations. If you relocate more than 50 miles one way for your internships, you will be provided a stipend supplement based on your assigned internship location. The housing options will depend on the host facility and the local options. Some sites have secured housing or have onsite housing that may be available to you; other sites will require you to find housing on your own, although most sites generally provide information to help you.
No, mentors will be asked to provide unclassified project assignments.
No, participation in a study abroad program during the Scholarship year will not be allowed. You must be enrolled and pursuing a degree on-site at an MSI.
Scholars cannot accept any other federal scholarships, fellowships, or grants, except educational benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, for the same activity, as doing so would be considered double compensation from the federal government. In some situations, EM may approve acceptance of need-based assistance along with the EM award. Scholars must inform ORISE of any such assistance while receiving support from EM. Scholars must meet with the Financial Aid Officer at their institution immediately upon receipt of the Scholarship to discuss the impact that receiving the EM award might have on other need-based financial assistance they have been awarded. The receipt and acceptance of the EM award may mean that they are no longer eligible for need-based awards.
In general, the academic year stipend is meant to cover the Scholars’ living expenses. While on an EM Scholarship, it is expected that Scholars will concentrate on their studies. Scholars can accept university-based payment for work necessary for the completion of their degree requirements. Work at the educational institution is allowable up to 15 hours a week and should be directly related to the Scholar’s program of study. In some cases, up to 15 hours of non-university work related to the degree could be approved. Scholars should contact ORISE before accepting these arrangements.
Scholars are encouraged to pursue a master’s degree through EM MSIPP STARS and participate in additional internships while pursuing their advanced degree. If you wish to attend graduate school, you must attend an MSI that offers your desired degree program. Should you need help identifying an institution that meets your needs, the program staff will assist you. EM funds can only be used to support education obtained through an MSI.
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Diversity Inclusion/Culture
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ORISE administers STEM internship and fellowship programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies. The diversity of these programs enables individuals—whether undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, or faculty—to conduct collaborative research at national laboratories or one of more than a dozen federal agency partners nationwide. Interested applicants can review and apply to hundreds of postings for paid internships and fellowships that best meet their individual career interests and educational advancement needs on Zintellect. Recruiting/Outreach events, including a focus on enhancing connections and recruitment for underrepresented groups, are offered regularly by ORISE to provide candidates the opportunity to speak with program staff, mentors, and current/alumni participants to learn more.
ORISE champions diversity, promotes creativity, rewards excellence, and encourages respect and an acceptance of differences. To support this commitment, ORISE operates a strong diversity program that includes training, educational programs, and awareness events for its employees and the community and is dedicated to recruiting and preparing the next generation of our nation’s scientific workforce.
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