![A female Spelman College student looks into a microscope](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201220160328im_/https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/styles/borealis_photo_gallery_large_respondsmall/public/smaller%20spelman%20pic_1.jpg?itok=5KSaPm3o)
Women and minorities make up 70 percent of college students, but only 45 percent of undergraduate STEM degree holders. This large pool of untapped talent is a great potential source of STEM professionals.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills are required to be competitive in the global race for energy development, to create and maintain a healthy economy, and foster innovation and excellence. The Department of Energy has many programs, internships, scholarships, and research opportunities focused on developing the next generation of STEM professionals.