Please visit our website https://orise.orau.gov/mlef for detailed information on how to apply for the MLEF program along with information on submission of references.

Application Tips:

Application tips can be found on the MLEF website.

To increase your chances of being selected for the MLEF program, we recommend:

1. Reading the eligibility criteria carefully to make sure you can be considered for this program.
2. Spending the necessary time on your essay responses and your resume. 
   • Answer each question.
   • Effective and efficient writing is valued over quantity of writing.
3. Ensuring that everything you submit is grammatically correct, clearly expressed and neatly organized.
   • Write a draft, edit it repeatedly, and ask someone whose judgement you trust to read it and make suggestions for improvement.
   • Use a word processor to draft your answers and then copy and paste to the application.
4. Lining up your recommendations early!  Don’t wait until the last minute to ask someone to submit a reference on your behalf.
5. Asking questions!  Contact us at mlef@hq.doe.gov if something isn’t clear.
6. SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION!  We can’t select you if you don’t submit an application! You must go back and hit the ‘submit’ button once you have provided email addresses for your references.  You will receive an e-mail once the application is submitted.

The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program provides students with educational opportunities to gain real-world, hands-on research experience with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy. The MLEF program was created in 1995 with the goal of improving opportunities for under-represented and minority students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

The mission of the MLEF program is to strengthen a diverse pipeline of future STEM professionals, and this program has mentored several hundred of the best and brightest students from across the nation for future careers in STEM.

As a MLEF participant, you will train under the mentorship of scientists and engineers while working on mission-focused research projects. During the 10-week appointment, you will receive a weekly stipend, and may be eligible for housing and travel allowances. You will also gain insight into how the Department of Energy is working to meet the energy challenges of the future.

Visit the MELF program website for more detailed information on the program.

• 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
• At time of application, be currently enrolled full-time as a degree-seeking student in a STEM program at an accredited college or university at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral level.
• Must be at least a college sophomore at the time of application. Students pursuing an Associate’s degree are eligible to apply if transferring to pursue a Bachelor’s degree for fall 2020.
• Be available to participate in the full 10-week program

• 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 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

I certify, that at the time of application, I am at least 18 years of age; that I am a U.S. Citizen; that I am currently enrolled full-time in a STEM program at an accredited college or university at the Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral level and that I am at least a current sophomore; that I have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher; and that I am available to participate in the MLEF program from June 1, 2020 to August 7, 2020.