Author: DOE OFJF  Staff  Published: 12/5/2023   US DOE   Office of Energy Justice and Equity

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) is pleased to announce its inaugural Internship Program for Juniors and Seniors at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the Summer of 2024. Known as Inspiring New Transformations in Energy Research by Emerging Scientists and Technologists (INTEREST), this paid internship program seeks to connect talented STEM majors at MSIs with active ARPA-E Performers to assist ARPA-E-funded projects and provide students an opportunity to collaborate and contribute to high-profile, high-impact next generation energy technology development and R&D. INTEREST internships will be hosted at the sites of active ARPA-E Performers during Summer 2024.

ARPA-E’s mission is to empower America’s energy researchers with funding, technical assistance, and market readiness to advance high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. In addition, ARPA-E seeks to ensure talented students at MSIs have opportunities to connect with ARPA-E-funded project teams and contribute to U.S. economic prosperity, national security, and environmental well-being.

All ARPA-E sponsored INTEREST internships will be technical in nature and focused on accomplishing goals set forth in current ARPA-E funded projects, which can be found here: Technologies | arpa-e.energy.gov). Note that not all active ARPA-E projects will offer internships.

Each INTEREST internship opportunity will be unique, and students will be able to apply for each position individually. Internship opportunities are expected to be announced in December 2023, and student applications are expected to be submitted by the deadline in February 2024. Prospective candidates should be prepared to submit required details including resume, official academic transcripts, an interest statement for the internship (2 pages max), and a letter of recommendation. Students meeting eligibility requirements listed below are encouraged to apply.

Student Eligibility Requirements for ARPA-E Internship Program:

   • Must be actively enrolled in a STEM major at a MSI, as defined by the US Department of Education (Department of Education: Lists of Postsecondary Minority Institutions).
• Must be willing to work on-site at ARPA-E Performer site for the duration of the internship. The internship will include a travel budget to and from the Performer site and a housing allowance.
• Target candidates have a minimum 3.5 GPA, but non-academic factors may also be considered.
• Must have completed at least two years of college credits (as per official transcripts), including some STEM courses (more specific requirements may be applicable to individual internships and will be provided in each posting)
• Minimum 18 years old
• U.S. Citizenship

We encourage you to share this information with your students and refer to https://arpa-e.energy.gov/career/msi-summer-internships for additional details. Feel free to reach out with any questions to msi-internship.arpae@hq.doe.gov.

Thank you,
The INTEREST Team

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