The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) offers exciting student volunteer internships throughout the year at DOE Headquarters (HQ) in Washington, D.C., and the Golden Field Office (GFO) in Golden, Colorado. EERE selects applicants based on availability and program office needs, and places candidates based on the best fit with program office requirements. Positions are limited and offered on a competitive basis. All applications are retained for one year from the application submission date.

Intern Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the SVIP at HQ and the GFO, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be an individual who is enrolled, not less than half-time, in a high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or comparable recognized educational institution.
  • Secure the educational institution’s permission to participate.
  • Be available on at least a part-time basis, for no less than two months.

Selection will be made without regard to considerations of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability.

Volunteer assignments are strictly unpaid and without financial compensation of any kind, such as travel or accommodations. No federal government liability is assumed.

How to Apply

Position placement opportunities are available throughout the year. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Volunteer applicants are advised of the following application process:

1. Complete the online application form, attach a cover letter and resume, and submit. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

- The cover letter should explain the applicant's desire to be a volunteer. The letter should include the qualifications, experience, and other background information related to the position that he or she is seeking, and how the student believes he or she can benefit from the volunteer assignment.

- The resume should outline previous employment experience, education, any affiliations and certifications, and include references with contact information.

- Applicants should NOT include social security numbers in the application package.

- Applicants may apply to multiple EERE placement locations (e.g. Washington, D.C., and Golden) by indicating location preferences on the online application form. EERE does not provide funds or reimbursement for relocation travel, lodging, or other expenses. Please note that application information may be shared with other DOE offices (outside of EERE) for additional possible placement opportunities.

2. If applicants are being considered for placement, they will be notified by an EERE SVIP office representative who will guide them through the onboarding process. All required materials (completed and signed) must be received at least 10 working days prior to the proposed assignment start date.

You will complete Part B of the application after being contacted for possible placement/selection.

Potential Intern Assignments

Examples of volunteer responsibilities may include, but not be limited to, the following assignments:

  • Gathering and analyzing data
  • Participating in meetings and conferences
  • Assisting with research projects
  • Assisting staff members with program-related tasks
  • Developing communication and outreach materials
  • Assisting with Internet and web design / development

Other Useful Links

What EERE Volunteer Interns Say

"Unlike most internships, I felt like every day I was able to walk away saying I did something that helped a cause I fundamentally believe in. My work allowed me to work on REAL solutions to REAL world problems, that I have dedicated my life to helping solve.

"I have a strong understanding of EERE operations, the inner-workings of government, and technology commercialization programs within the clean energy field. I feel that this makes me a much more competitive individual amongst my peers."

~Michael Titus
EERE Volunteer Intern

"I enjoyed learning every day and looking at the whole picture in terms of applying engineering ideas and concepts to support SunShot Initiative, directly impacting our nation's interest in clean energy and supporting the Climate Change Action Plan."

~Doreen Wong
EERE Volunteer Intern

EERE Mission

The mission of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is to create and sustain American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy. Its vision is a strong and prosperous America powered by clean, affordable and secure energy.

Learn more about EERE’s mission, programs, and projects.

Benefits

Volunteer internships provide students opportunities to complement their academic endeavors through direct experience with EERE in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. For those students seeking future job opportunities with the federal government, this experience is invaluable in providing students with skills to effectively compete for positions. This internship program also provides potential opportunities to network with experts within the energy community on a local, national, and international level. In addition, some colleges and universities give academic credit for federal government internships.

Contact Us

Ellen Hilburn
Workforce Management Office
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Forrestal Building
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585
202-586-9631
Ellen.Hilburn@ee.doe.gov