Application deadline is January 8, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST!

Please visit our website www.energy.gov/hgeo/mlef for detailed information on how to apply for the MLEF program.

Application tips can be found on the MLEF website.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program is a 10-week summer research internship for undergraduate and master’s students in STEM majors. Participants complete a cutting-edge research project at one of the Department’s National Laboratories or DOE Headquarters in support of DOE's Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) mission of unleashing the full potential of America's hydrocarbon and geothermal resources to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy. At the end of the program, participants present their research findings at the MLEF Technical Forum.

As an MLEF participant, you will train under the mentorship of scientists, engineers, and staff while completing a mission-focused research project. During the 10-week appointment, you will receive a bi-weekly stipend, and may be eligible for housing and travel assistance.

The mission of the MLEF program is to strengthen the pipeline of future STEM professionals and has provided mentored opportunities for over 1,000 students from across the nation for future careers in the STEM workforce. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

Program Contact

Want to learn more about the MLEF Program? Register for one of our information sessions.

Visit our website www.energy.gov/hgeo/mlef for more information on the MLEF Program.

Contact MLEF@hq.doe.gov if you have any questions. 

Travel and Housing Allowances

Participants may be authorized to receive an additional allowance to offset the cost of housing and travel expenses.

Locations

Selections are based on a student’s qualifications and the needs of the appointment site/location. Proximity to the host is not factored during the selection process. The 10-week summer program may place students at one of several possible U.S. Department of Energy sites including but not limited to:

• U.S. Department of Energy Headquarters (DOE HGEO)
• Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
• National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)
• National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)

Important Dates

• Student Application Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2027 11:59pm EST
• Application Status Notification: April 2027
• Participant Orientation (virtual): May 2027
• Participant Kick-off: Thursday, June 3, 2027 in Washington, D.C. 
• Program Dates: Monday, June 7 to Friday, August 13, 2027
• Technical Forum: Monday, August 9 to Thursday, August 12, 2027 in Pittsburgh, PA

• Be at least 18 years of age at time of application
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8
• Must be in the United States, a U.S. territory, or residing on a United States military base for the entire duration of the appointment
• Be enrolled full-time as a degree-seeking student in a STEM program at an accredited U.S. college or university at the associate, bachelor's, or master's level at the time of application. Proof of enrollment is required with your application. Students enrolled at institutions outside the U.S. and its territories are ineligible.
• For undergraduate applicants, be classified as a college or university sophomore or higher at the time of application and have completed at least one full academic year as a matriculated undergraduate student. Advanced placement credits or other college credits earned prior to matriculation do not count toward the one-year requirement.
• Be available to participate in all required program activities, including Orientation, Kickoff, and the full 10-week appointment

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or Master's Degree.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.80
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (29 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

I certify that at the time of application:

• I am at least 18 years of age
• I am a U.S. Citizen
• I understand that I must be in the United States, its territories, or residing on a United States military base for the entire duration of the appointment, even if remote participation has been approved.
• I have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
• I am currently enrolled full-time as a degree-seeking student in a STEM program at a U.S.-based accredited college or university at the associate's, bachelor's, or master's level
• I am at least a current sophomore
• I am available to participate in the MLEF program from Monday, June 7, 2027 to Friday, August 13, 2027, as well as all required program events