Now accepting applications for Summer 2026!

Apply now for Summer 2026

We are currently accepting applications for the next cohort of STARS scholars. Applications are available on Zintellect, ORISE’s online application management system.

The application deadline is Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m ET, and the deadline for recommendations is Friday, December 19, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET.

A typical application requires:

  • Zintellect Profile
  • Academic Institution Classification
  • Program Specific Questions (Character limits – 300 words)
    • Why does this opportunity interest you and how it will impact your educational and professional goals in relation to possible future employment with the DOE Office of Environmental Management? How will this scholarship impact your academic or career pathway (beyond financial support)?
    • Describe your relevant research, technical, or professional skills and experience that are applicable to this opportunity and the work that is done in the DOE EM.
    • Describe how your interest in STEM has shaped who you are, led you on your current academic/career journey, and prepared you to fulfill the scholarship requirements of EM STARS. You may include a description of any extra-curricular activities in which you have participated (e.g., clubs, teams, camps, mentoring, jobs, internships, etc.).
    • What aspect of the EM STARS and DOE EM mission/program appears most relevant to your interests?
    • This is a workforce development program specific to DOE EM. Do you have a long-term goal to be employed by DOE EM? If yes, are you willing to commit to being placed in a location where EM priorities are to fulfill the program requirements and your service agreement for the number of years the EM STARS program supports you in your academic endeavors?
  • Select your top three research areas of interest in relation to the DOE EM Mission: Soil & Groundwater; Deactivation & Decommissioning; Tank Waste; Robotics; Machine Learning; Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; Advanced Manufacturing. Preferences will be taken into consideration when matching applicants with available projects.
  • Resume including the following sections, in no particular order. See an example of an academic resume.
    • Profile
    • Educational Summary
    • Academic and Research Experience: Recent positions held, including length of employment, hours worked, and location.
    • Awards and Scholarships: Recent accolades, including source, length, and summary of benefits.
    • Community Service & Extracurricular Activities: List service and/or extracurricular activities in which applicants have participated, beginning with the most recent.
    • Special Skills and Abilities: List professional/technical skills and abilities that are relevant to this program.
  • Academic Records: A copy of an official or unofficial transcript or copies of the academic records from internal institutional systems may be submitted. Transcript or academic records must clearly show the name of the student, name of the academic institution, enrollment as of Fall 2025, in progress/completed/enrolled courses, grades, most recent cumulative GPA, and degree in progress as of Fall 2025. Academic records must include undergraduate courses and grades for the equivalent of two years. Applicant may combine academic records into one document if they have attended multiple academic institutions. Please provide all transcripts for institutions you’ve attended and are using to show credits for this application. Selected candidates must provide proof of enrollment during the Spring 2026 term.
  • One recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor at the institution where the student is currently attending. The recommendation should address the student’s academic record and potential for success such as demonstrated intellectual merit, communication, and teamwork skills. Recommenders will be asked to submit a recommendation in Zintellect. Letters of recommendation submitted via email will not be accepted. Your recommendation must be submitted by Friday, December 19, 2025, 11:59 pm ET.

For technical assistance with navigating Zintellect, contact Zintellect Support at Zintellect@orau.org.