Diversity Efforts Across the Lab
Workforce 
NREL has created an inclusive work environment that benefits from diversity throughout the organization, values individual differences, and encourages employees to develop and contribute to their full potential. Our staff speak 30 different languages, and we value our diverse backgrounds.
Educational Outreach
We develop science programs that engage the minds of our future leaders, scientists, and engineers. We strive to increase the quantity, quality, and diversity of students preparing to become scientific and technical professionals.
Small Business Commitment
We support the growth of minority- and women-owned business enterprises through mutually beneficial technology partnerships. Diverse businesses can collaborate with our scientists and use our facilities, expertise, and capabilities.
“We are honored to do business with NREL and thrilled to support its amazing people and technology. The partnership helps our business grow and protects the vitality of local small business in our community.”
— Vanessa Navarro, President from Future Solutions
Diversity Energizes Our Vision
At NREL, we are proud of our commitment to diversity. We value our employees, students, and partners, and we work together to create an environment of dignity and respect.
While our cultures and creeds, and lifestyles and languages may differ, we share a common desire to carry out our mission—
- To develop renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices,
- To advance related science and engineering, and
- To transfer knowledge and innovations to address the nation's energy and environmental goals.
Awards
NREL has received several awards and recognition for our diversity efforts, including:
- Recipient of the 2010 Rocky Mountain Minority Development Council's Corporation of the Year Award.
- Recipient of the 2009 Rocky Mountain Minority Development Council's Advocate of the Year Award.
- Annual sponsorship recognition by the Rocky Mountain Minority Development Council, the Small and Small Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Council, the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce and the Minority Enterprise and Education Development Council
- Rocky Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council Chairperson's Award
- Small Business Administration(SBA) Vision 2000 Award for Excellence in Advocacy
- Minority Enterprises, Inc., (MEI) Chairperson's Award
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Procurement Outreach
- Energy Secretary's Award for Small Business Programs
- SBA Dwight D. Eisenhower Award
- MEI Corporation of the Year Award
- SBA Award of Distinction
Community Involvement
NREL is involved in community activities supporting diversity, including conference participation, sponsorships, and advertising placements on a national, state and local level through several organizations. Organizations included:
- Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce
- Denver Mayor's Office of Employment
- Colorado Veterans Employment Services
- National Society of Black Engineers
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
- Hispanic Engineers National Annual Awards Conference
- Denver Indian Center
- Urban League of Denver
- Mi Casa — Denver
NREL also engages with the following regional organizations for community outreach.
Recruiting for Diversity
NREL's Education Programs aggressively recruited interns through many venues, including colleges and universities across the nation and the following organizations:
