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job-area: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

DOE EM Success Through Academic Research Scholarship

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) Success Through Academic Research Scholarship (STARS) program provides opportunities for undergraduate students from Minority Serving Institutions pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that supports the EM research and operations in the following areas: Soil & Groundwater; Deactivation & Decommissioning; Tank Waste; Robotics; Machine Learning; Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; and Advanced Manufacturing.

Are you interested in learning more about the EM STARS program and application process?

Information Sessions:

Application Workshops:

Why should I apply?

You will receive:

  • Financial support for the pursuit of an undergraduate degree for up to two years and two additional years for students choosing to pursue a master’s degree
  • Paid summer internships under the guidance of an accomplished mentor at EM headquarter offices, field offices, and DOE national laboratories
  • Opportunities to engage with the EM community (e.g., EM field sites, contractors, stakeholders) and other STARS Scholars
  • Academic and career guidance
  • Continued engagement with EM after graduation through employment opportunities or postgraduate appointments 

Financial Support

  • Tuition: $36,000/academic year (Amount is based on expected average cost. The tuition allowance may be higher based on student’s actual tuition costs.)
  • Stipend: $32,000/academic year
  • Education Allowance: $5,000/scholarship year
  • Summer Internship: 10-week internship
    • Stipend: $750/week
    • Housing Allowance: up to $700/week based on assigned location (If relocating more than 50 miles from assigned location)
    • Local Transportation: $50/week   
    • Inbound/Outbound: $1,000 to be paid as a lump-sum with the first stipend payment (If relocating more than 50 miles from assigned location)

NOTE: Charges for optional, refundable and penalty fees (such as late registration), meal plans, books and housing are not covered by the award. The stipend during the academic term is meant to offset these expenses.

Scholarship Description

Hey college students at Minority Serving Institutions! Are you looking for a program that supports your education, gives you hands-on experience, and sets you up for an amazing career? Check out the EM STARS program!

This isn’t just any scholarship; it’s a launchpad! EM STARS provides up to two years of financial support while you work toward your undergraduate degree – and if you decide to pursue a master’s degree, we’ll support you for up to two more years. While you’re studying, you’ll get hands-on experience through awesome internships with our Environmental Management (EM) team at one of our sites. You’ll get to see how we tackle big challenges, learn what we do, and gain real-world skills that connect directly to your studies.

What’s the goal? We want Scholars to graduate with a strong understanding of EM’s mission and be highly prepared to join our family. After completing the program, we hope you’ll commit to joining the EM team as a full-time employee for the number of years equal to the years of your award. If you’re selected, it’s a great way to kickstart your professional journey and make a real impact. And if you’re planning to go straight into a master’s degree after your undergrad, no worries! You can postpone your employment commitment and keep gaining experience through summer internships with EM while you finish your graduate degree.

This program is an investment in your future – and in return, we ask for your commitment to meeting program requirements and pursuing work with EM or an affiliated program after you graduate. If that doesn’t happen, you could be expected to repay up to 100% of the program fees. But our hope is that you’ll love your experience so much, you’ll be excited to continue working with us!

Ready to take the next step? This is your chance to get your education funded, gain invaluable experience, and secure a potential career path with EM. Apply for the EM STARS program and get ready to shine!

Review of Applications

Student applications will be evaluated based on academic merit, enrollment in STEM coursework, extracurricular activities (e.g., teams, clubs, and relevant work experience), recommendation, interest in STEM, and an interest in EM mission.

Nature of Appointment

Scholars will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, STARS or the hosting site.  Instead, Scholars will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Questions

Please email the EM STARS team at EM_STARS@orise.orau.gov or visit our website at: https://orise.orau.gov/em-stars/. 

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
  • Be 18 years of age by June 1, 2026.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  • Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited Minority Serving Institution (MSI) during the 2025-2026 academic year. Accredited U.S. postsecondary institutions that meet the statutory criteria for identification as Minority Serving Institutions by the Department of Education can be found at: https://orise.orau.gov/zintellect-files/files/Minority-Serving-Institution-Designation-List.xlsx.
    • AANAPISI – Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
    • ANNH – Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institution
    • HBCU – Historically Black College or University
    • HSI – Hispanic-Serving Institution
    • NASNTI – Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution
    • PBI – Predominantly Black Institution
    • TCU – Tribal College or University
  • Have completed two full years towards an undergraduate degree and planning to graduate no earlier than the end of the Spring 2027 semester/trimester. Students who have completed more than two years towards their undergraduate degree may be considered if they have completed an internship with the Office of Environmental Management since May 2024.
  • Pursuing a STEM degree in a discipline that supports the Office of Environmental Management research and operations. EM has a wide array of critical needs that range from technical expertise and skilled trades to STEM research. Important areas of research include of soil & groundwater, deactivation & decommissioning, tank waste, robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.

Additional Information

  • Two years of undergraduate education is defined as the equivalent of four semesters or six trimesters. Academic terms do not need to be continuous.
  • If applicant has attended multiple academic institutions, the current institution must be an MSI. The MSI must have accepted the appropriate number of transfer credits to be classified as a third-year student.
  • Undergraduate students graduating before end of Spring of 2027 are not eligible.
  • If pursuing an associate’s degree, applicant must have an intention to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an eligible institution. Prior to acceptance into the program, the applicant must be accepted and show proof of enrollment.