WASHINGTON, DC -- Fifty-three college students from around the country have been selected to intern this summer at the Department of Energy (DOE) through its Student Diversity Partnership Program (SDPP).  The SDPP program facilitates the development, training, and recruitment of a diverse range of college students from minority educational institutions. The SDPP offers students career-oriented, summer internships, in Washington, DC, or at one of the department’s field sites or national laboratories.

 “DOE’s goal to support small business is consistent with the selection of a small business contractor, for the Student Diversity Partnership Program,” said Theresa Alvillar-Speake, director, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity.

The eight-week internship program, that runs from June 5 – July 28, 2006, matches students with DOE senior employees, allowing students to be mentored and trained for future career opportunities at DOE. 

To supplement their DOE internship experience, students will participate in discussions with congressional representatives, attend professional workshops on financial management and career development, and have the opportunity to visit a DOE research facility. 

This year’s program will be managed by Proxtronics Inc., a small, minority-owned, 8(a) business contractor.   Proxtronics Inc. was awarded a five-year contract valued at up to $2.6 million to provide operational, developmental, administrative, and program management support to the SDPP.   Proxtronics Inc., and its skilled technicians and engineers, have more than 14 years of experience in providing technical, program management, community and environmental health and safety, radiation, industrial hygiene and emergency response services to both local and federal agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, and the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Agriculture.  This will be its first contract with the Energy Department.

Funding for the SDPP interns and the small business contractor is being provided by the following departmental program offices:

• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• Economic Impact and Diversity
• Environmental Management
• Fossil Energy
• Human Capital Management
• Management
• Nuclear Energy
• Safety & Security Performance Assurance
• Science