1. What kind of program is the DOE Scholars Program? What is the purpose?
2. How can I get more information about the DOE Scholars Program?
3. What is ORISE?
4. What kinds of opportunities are available through the DOE Scholars Program?
5. What does the internship provide?
6. How much are stipends?
7. How do I apply to the DOE Scholars Program?
8. What disciplines are needed for the DOE Scholars Program?
9. Who can participate in this program?
10. Can I apply if I am not a citizen of the United States?
11. Are students who are U.S. citizens but who are attending foreign institutions eligible to apply to the program?
12. When is the application deadline?
13. How will I know when my application is complete?
14. Is my online application data secure?
15. May I update my application after I have submitted it?
16. How does the selection process work?
17. How are the applications reviewed?
18. When and how will I be notified if I am selected?
19. When do the internships start?
20. How long do the summer internships last?
21. Where are the internships located? If selected, do I get to choose my location?
22. Will the program pay for my transportation to the internship site?
23. Will I be required to have my personal vehicle at the site?
24. Does the DOE Scholars Program pay for housing? Or is there a housing allowance?
25. Will there be any tax deductions from my stipend pay?
26. If I have a conflict with the starting date, may I arrange to start my internship earlier (or later)?
27. Where can I learn more about the U.S. Department of Energy and its mission?
28. Are there other educational programs managed by ORISE that I might be eligible for?
29. If I have questions, whom should I contact?
1. What kind of program is the DOE Scholars Program? What is the purpose?
The DOE Scholars Program is a Department-wide program that complements other DOE workforce development initiatives. The program is designed with a variety of components that promote DOE’s strategic objectives of creating a pipeline of highly qualified participants in disciplinary fields that support programs in mission-critical areas of the Department of Energy.
2. How can I get more information about the DOE Scholars Program?
Review the Program Description on this Web site.
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) manages the DOE Scholars Program for the U.S. Department of Energy. ORISE is a U.S. Department of Energy institute focusing on scientific initiatives to research health risks from occupational hazards, assess environmental cleanup, respond to radiation medical emergencies, support national security and emergency preparedness, and educate the next generation of scientists.
4. What kinds of opportunities are available through the DOE Scholars Program?
5. What does the internship provide?
Stipends up to $650 per week; exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for summer appointments only.
7. How do I apply to the DOE Scholars Program?
You must register on this Web site. See the Application Instructions page.
8. What disciplines are needed for the DOE Scholars Program?
A list of disciplines is available on this Web site.
9. Who can participate in this program?
A participant must be a U.S. citizen, and at least 16 years of age (no exceptions). Participants must be an undergraduate student, graduate student, or a post-graduate. Exceptions may be made on academic status on a case-by-case basis for summer appointments only.
10. Can I apply if I am not a citizen of the United States?
No, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this program. No exceptions are allowed.
11. Are students who are U.S. citizens attending foreign institutions eligible to apply to the program?
Yes; however, applicants must be in a degree program at a U.S. accredited college or university.
12. When is the application deadline?
The application period is now closed. Please check back in October for the next application period.
13. How will I know when my application is complete?
The electronic application will not allow you to “submit” an application until all required fields are completed.
Once all the questions in the application are completed, submit the application by clicking the “submit” button.
14. Is my online application data secure?
Absolutely. ORISE follows all Federal rules and regulations regarding personally identifiable information and data collections.
15. May I update my application after I have submitted it?
No.
16. How does the selection process work?
Your electronic application will be reviewed by participating DOE managers who select their own interns for their office/site. Participation by a DOE location is dependent upon program need and available funding. Selections will be based on how your education and experience match DOE needs.
17. How are the applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed in an electronic database by DOE managers.
18. When and how will I be notified if I am selected?
The selection and appointment process will begin February 1 and continue through May 31. Most selections by DOE managers will be made by April 30. Notifications will be made by email if you are selected, followed by an official letter from ORISE.
19. When do the internships start?
Generally, internships begin in June, but early starts may occur at program request and/or if housing is available earlier.
20. How long do the summer internships last?
Most last ten weeks.
21. Where are the internships located?
Available internships will be determined by participating DOE sites. Participation is dependent upon program need and available funding.
22. Will the program pay for my transportation to the internship site?
Yes, the ORISE Travel Office will arrange and pay for a flight from your home or institution to your appointment site. If you choose to drive, you will be reimbursed at the current federal reimbursement rate for actual mileage from your home or institution to the appointment site, up to the cost of the lowest available commercial airfare.
23. Will I be required to have my personal vehicle at the site?
Some of the appointments are located in areas without public transportation where having your personal vehicle is required. You are responsible for your own daily transportation to and from your DOE internship site. ORISE is available to assist you in researching transportation options.
24. Does the DOE Scholars Program pay for housing? Or is there a housing allowance?
No, you are responsible for the cost of your own housing at the appointment site during your internship. If needed, ORISE will assist you in finding suitable housing.
25. Will there be any tax deductions from my stipend pay?
No. You will be entering into an administrative association with ORISE, and as such you are not an employee. This program is not considered employment, but rather is educational, and you will receive a stipend in accordance with the ORISE bi-weekly payroll schedule provided. You should be prepared to cover all expenses for the first 30 days of your internship. Your stipend payments will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as miscellaneous income and will be taxable.
26. If I have a conflict with the starting date, may I arrange to start my internship earlier (or later)?
Your DOE mentor will let us know when you will be expected to report, and that starting date will be stated in your official appointment letter. Most scholars start in June, but factors such as class schedules, housing availability, and facility schedules may result in an earlier or later starting date. You should be willing to commit 40 hours per week during your internship.
27. Where can I learn more about the U.S. Department of Energy and its mission?
See the DOE website for a comprehensive look at the department and its programs.
28. Are there other educational programs managed by ORISE that I might be eligible for?
You may review eligibility and general program information for other education and research opportunities at see.orau.org.
29. If I have questions, whom should I contact?
Email your questions to doescholars@orise.orau.gov or contact Barbara Dunkin, program specialist, at 865-574-6440.