WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Energy today issued two requests for applications (RFA) for scholarships and fellowships as part of its efforts to recruit and train the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers. The Department’s Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP) will provide approximately $5 million for scholarships and fellowships for students enrolled in two-year, four-year and graduate engineering and science programs related to nuclear energy at accredited U.S. universities and colleges.

“As we work to expand nuclear power in the United States to meet our climate and energy challenges, it’s critical that we have a skilled workforce who can lead in the future,” said Secretary Steven Chu. “Through the Nuclear Energy University Programs, we are training the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers who will help move the nuclear industry forward.”

The Requests for Applications include a RFA for Scholarships and a RFA for Fellowships. The Scholarship and Fellowship Program aims to attract the brightest students to science and engineering disciplines related to nuclear energy, such as nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemistry, health physics, nuclear materials science, radiochemistry, applied nuclear physics, and nuclear policy at universities and colleges located in the U.S.

Two-year programs that lead to a certificate or minor are also included, such as nuclear power technology, nuclear maintenance technology, nuclear engineering technology, and radiation protection technology. Undergraduate scholarships will average $5,000 per year. Three scholarships may be awarded up to $25,000 to distinguished undergraduate students. The maximum award for fellowships will be $50,000 per year over three years.

Students must matriculate at an institution that is participating in the program to be eligible for either scholarships or fellowships. Two-year or four-year U.S. universities and colleges that are not on the current list of participating institutions listed in the RFAs may apply to a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) to administer scholarships and fellowships through http://www.grants.gov/ under FOA # DE-FOA-0000176 that was issued on March 4, 2010.

Students need to apply to the Scholarship and Fellowship RFAs by April 26, 2010 to be considered for an award. The Department anticipates notifying students by June 2010 of its selections with awards planned for July 2010.