Are you an undergraduate STEM major at a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for energy innovation?

ARPA-E’s INTEREST Internships —Inspiring New Transformations in Energy Research by Emerging Scientists and Technologies—offers a unique opportunity to dive into cutting-edge energy research while learning how to turn breakthrough technologies into market-ready solutions.

Description of the hosting facilities and project can be found at 2025 INTEREST Project Descriptions.

Why should you apply?

• Financial Support: Receive a competitive stipend, housing support, and round-trip airfare to your host site.
  Innovate and Lead: Step into the entrepreneurial side of energy innovation and learn what it takes to transform promising ideas into impactful technologies. 
• Experience and Learn: Work alongside top experts on cutting-edge projects, gaining technical skills and business insights to drive innovation
• Network and Grow: Strengthen your network and build valuable connections with industry leaders, propelling your future career prospects.

About the Program

INTEREST seeks to support a diverse workforce by facilitating summer internships at ARPA-E project performers for students from MSIs. You will participate in research and development activities on active ARPA-E funded projects.

For more information about ARPA-E and INTEREST Internships, visit https://arpa-e.energy.gov/career/msi-summer-internships. 

Contact us at: Interest@orise.orau.gov

Applicants must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.  U.S. citizenship is not required for participation in the program. However, depending on the internship assignment, U.S. citizenship may be required.
• Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student as a STEM major at an accredited Minority Serving Institution (MSI) during the 2024-2025 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
• Be pursuing a STEM degree listed below.
• Have minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA as of Spring/Summer 2024.
• Have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate coursework and be completing their junior or senior year of their undergraduate studies after Summer 2024.
• Be available to conduct the summer internship at the assigned host facility during Summer 2025 for twelve weeks. Alternate schedules may be possible based on participant and mentor availability.
• Be 18 years or older by the application deadline.

Additional eligibility information:

• Candidates selected for an internship appointment will be required to provide proof of enrollment at an MSI during the Spring 2025 term.
• Undergraduate seniors graduating in May/June 2025 are eligible to participate in Summer 2025. 

The application consists of the following components:

• Zintellect Profile
• Short Response Questions
  • Describe how your experiences, background, and interests in (1) technology development; (2) technology commercialization; and (3) entrepreneurship have shaped who you are, led you to your current academic/career path, and contributed to a unique perspective for impacting accessibility in energy research and commercialization.
  • How do your skills, qualities, or experiences align with current research and development efforts in energy research and technology?
  • Describe your personal, educational, and professional goals and explain how this opportunity may enable you to achieve those goals.
• Preferred Projects – select up to three projects in order of preference. Project Information is available at 2025 INTEREST Project Descriptions.
• Eligible Academic Institution
• A copy of the academic records showing enrollment status during fall 2024, STEM course work and GPA. Transcript or academic records must clearly show:
  • student name
  • name of the academic institution
  • enrollment during the Fall 2024 academic term
  • current/completed courses
  • grades
  • most recent cumulative GPA
  • degree in progress
• A relevant recommendation from a professional point of contact. Recommendations should address the applicant’s academic record and potential for success in an appointment, as indicated by demonstrated intellectual merit, communication, and teamwork skills. Recommenders will be asked to submit a recommendation in Zintellect. Letters of recommendation submitted via email will not be accepted. The deadline for submission is December 9, 2024, 8:00 am EST.

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
• Overall GPA: 3.50
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (25 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 )
• Age: Must be 18 years old by 12/2/2024