The MLEF application process is a two-part process. 

1. The online application: Go to https://www.zintellect.com/Posting/Details/2551 to start the application process.  You will need to upload your unofficial transcripts, upload a resume, and provide contact for two individuals who can provide you with a reference.  Documents must be uploaded in PDF format. Your online application must be submitted by the application deadline listed above.  Once you submit your online application, you can no longer make changes to the information provided.
2. References:  You will need to have two individuals submit references for you.  Please note that your reference will not be e-mailed with instructions until you submit your online application. Refer to the section below for more details.

The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program provides college students with an opportunity to gain and develop research skills with the Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy for 10 weeks over the summer. For 20 years, this program has increased awareness of DOE research opportunities to students pursuing STEM degrees (short for science, technology, engineering and math). The goal of the program is to improve opportunities for women and minority students in these fields, however all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

Selected candidates will train under the mentorship of program officials and scientists on focused research projects consistent with the mission of the Office of Fossil Energy. During the 10 weeks, Fellows will receive a stipend and some students may be eligible to receive housing and travel allowance for the duration of the program.

At the conclusion of the program, Fellows are required to attend a "Technical Forum" where they will present their research findings and tour a technical site located nearby.

Stipends

The MLEF program provides stipends to Fellows based on the following scale:

• Undergraduate students receive a weekly stipend of $600;
• Master’s students receive a weekly stipend of $750;
• Ph.D. students or graduates receive a weekly stipend of $850.

Some participates may be eligible to receive a housing and travel allowance.

Locations

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

• Department of Energy Headquarters, Washington, DC and Germantown, MD
• National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA; Morgantown, WV; Albany, OR
• Strategic Petroleum Reserve, New Orleans, LA; and other SPR sites in LA and TX
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA
• Sandia National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
• Los Alamos National Lab, Los Alamos, NM

Important Dates

Below are the important dates for the 2017 program.

• Application Deadline: December 30, 2016
• Letters of Reference only will be accepted until January 13, 2017
• Candidates Notified of Selection: Candidates will be notified of their status by February-April 2017
• Program Dates: June 5, 2016 to August 11, 2017
• Kick-off Meeting/Orientation: June 12, 2017 in Washington, DC
• Technical Forum: August 7-11, 2017

For more information on the MLEF Program, visit http://energy.gov/fe/mickey-leland-energy-fellowship or contact us at MLEF@hq.doe.gov.

The MLEF is open to all students who meet the following application requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age at time of application;
• Be a U.S. Citizen;
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0;
• Be currently enrolled full-time in a STEM degree program at an accredited college or university (sophomore year or higher) on or after January 1, 2016
• Available to participate in the full 10-week program

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 12 month(s).
• Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • 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 )

I certify that 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 (sophomore year or higher)  on or after January 1, 2016; that I have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; and that I am available to participate in the MLEF program from June 5, 2017 to August 11, 2017.