Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program (MEISPP) Internships

Minorities Encouraged to Apply

The program reaches out to minority students across the country at minority serving institutions and other colleges with large minority populations. Interns have participated from across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Our goal is to get students excited about and prepared for STEM and energy careers at the DOE, other federal agencies or the private sector. Our hope is that doing exciting work, gaining confidence and making contacts will open up opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and geographies.

Key Benefits

Financial Support

Internships include lodging, round trip airfare, and student stipends. This is a substantial benefit, designed to support students who would not otherwise be able to enroll.

Technical and Professional Experience

Students gain professional and technical career experience while working side-by-side with an assigned mentor who is a subject matter expert at the DOE. Mentors will help students tailor their practical work experience to the larger context of their professional interests.

Varied Opportunities across the Country

The Department of Energy is a scientific agency with 17 national labs across the country, field offices and headquarters in Washington, DC.  

Positions involve scientific research or a focus on policy, business, and government relations. Past students have:

• Worked as research analysts to sequence different strains of fungus DNA at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN
• Worked on outreach and recruitment events targeted at minority, low income and underrepresented groups for the Office of Efficiency and Renewable Energy
• Worked in a policy capacity at the Office of Nuclear Energy, planning for an international conference on nuclear energy and cooperation
• Researched and compiled resources from the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, the DOE and other federal agencies available to minority businesses to establish and expand energy-related businesses
• Worked on an implementation model to serve as a guide for municipal utilities to reduce energy consumption

Personal Development Workshops

Students participate in workshops that are designed to increase their marketability. Workshops may address topics such as time management, development of a professional identity, effective communication skills, and resume writing.

Networking Opportunities

Students have an opportunity to network with experts throughout the DOE and its national laboratories. By attending business meetings, scheduled field trips and planned activities, students have a chance to explore career opportunities on a daily basis.

How to Apply

For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, key dates, contact information, and how to apply, visit the MEISPP website.