DOE's Student Experience Program partners with educational institutions that offer a stipend to participating students to gain experiential learning opportunities at DOE. These opportunities help students develop skills needed in today's workforce while learning about DOE's exciting mission. Students must be enrolled not less than half-time in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, college or university, or other accredited educational institution. To be placed within DOE, students must receive a stipend from the educational institution. Students will not receive a salary from DOE for participating in this program.
Currently, we have a partnership with the University of Chicago, University of Maryland, and the University of Virginia. If you are an accredited education institution that pays a stipend and would like to partner with DOE, please contact the Student Experience Program.
Program Benefits
- Stipends from educational institution
- Networking opportunities
- Valuable work experience
- Resume enhancement to increase job prospects
- Personal and professional development
- Early career exploration in area of academic study
Experiential Opportunities
The Department works to tailor each student’s experience to their interests and skills. DOE offers opportunities that may include, but are not limited to, the following careers:
- Communication
- Cybersecurity
- Human Resources Management
- Information Technology
- Law
- Policy
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Public Affairs
- Personnel Security
- Safety & Occupational Health
Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet all the following criteria:
- Be enrolled not less than half-time in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, college or university, or other accredited educational institution.
- Obtain and maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Secure permission to participate from the student’s educational institution.
- Commit to a program between 8 - 16 weeks in length (based on semester).
- Complete the OF 306 Form-Declaration for Federal Employment
- Complete a Student Experience Agreement Form
Program Duration
This program is offered year-round. The assignment may be performed during the school year and/or during summer or school vacation periods, with proof of enrollment. The nature of your assignment, as well as your weekly work schedule, will be part of your student experience agreement. Assignments typically last 8 to 16 weeks.
Application Deadline and Process
PROGRAM DATES AND DEADLINES
| Semester | Application Deadline | Internship Period |
| Summer | April 30 | June - August |
| Fall | July 1 | August - December |
| Spring | December 1 | January - May |
If your educational institution offers a stipend and you would like to apply, please email the documents listed below along with the name of your educational institution to the Student Experience Program. Please combine all three documents into one and name the document with your last name and first name (e.g., “Snow, Dawn - SEP Application”).
- A current resume
- Unofficial transcripts showing your grades/GPA
- A letter of enrollment verification
All information will be kept on file for six months. If you have not been contacted within that timeframe, we recommend you reapply with all required documents.
Student experience Employment Status
Under 5 U.S.C 3111- Acceptance of volunteer service, a student volunteer is not a Federal employee for any purposes other than injury compensation and law related to the Tort Claims Act. Student participation in the program is on a voluntary basis and no employee benefits will be provided by DOE. Service with the DOE is not credible for leave or monetary compensation, and we do not provide housing assistance or support. However, students may be eligible for a transportation stipend.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the Student Experience Program.