The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) is expanding America’s skilled energy workforce by investing in hands-on training, education, research opportunities, and academic-industry partnerships. These programs strengthen regional energy economies, build workforce pipelines, and prepare students and early-career professionals to support the nation’s hydrocarbon—including coal, oil, and natural gas—and geothermal industries. Click on the drop down next to each opportunity to find out more.
Internship and Fellowship Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Program is a 10-week summer research internship for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM majors. Participants complete a cutting-edge research project at one of the Department’s National Laboratories or DOE Headquarters in support of the Department’s mission.
STIPEND
Undergraduate students: $7,500 for 10-weeks
Master’s students: $8,500 for 10-weeks
Travel and housing assistance is available to eligible participants.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Program page.
Science, Technology, and Policy (STP) Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Science, Technology, and Policy (STP) Program provides an opportunity for students, postgraduates, and faculty to engage in programs, projects, and activities that align with the DOE's mission.
Program participants will:
- Gain insight into the federal government's role in creating and implementing policies that will impact energy technology development.
- Contribute to the implementation of energy policies by utilizing scientific and technical expertise to address key issues relevant to the DOE.
- Continue their education and involvement in areas that support the DOE mission.
Program is open to current students, recent graduates and faculty.
Visit https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/DOE-STP-GEN-2026 for more information and full eligibility requirements.
DOE Scholars Program
The DOE Scholars Program is your chance to connect with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and explore exciting career opportunities in science, technology, research, and policy. Whether you're an undergraduate, graduate student, or a recent grad, this program is designed to help you build your skills, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for impactful careers that support the DOE’s mission and operations.
Visit https://orise.orau.gov/doescholars/ for more information and full eligibility requirements.
Grant Programs and Planning Initiatives
Graduate students design their own internships in the geothermal industry and acquire core professional competencies and skills.
- Graduate students work with companies, DOE National Laboratories, or other government agencies
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) accepts applications on a rolling basis; applicants must be funded on an existing NSF grant to qualify
- 37 students from 27 U.S. institutions have participated to date
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible, graduate students must have completed at least one academic year in their graduate program (master's or doctoral) and be making satisfactory progress towards the completion of their degrees.
FUNDING
NSF considers supplemental funding requests for up to an additional six months of graduate student support to provide non-academic training. INTERN supplements also provide up to $55,000 to support travel, tuition and fees, health insurance, additional stipend, and other costs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Geothermal Energy from Oil and Gas Demonstrated Engineering (GEODE) initiative leverages the extensive knowledge, technology, skill, and experience of the oil and gas sector to help expand the deployment of geothermal energy.
- Assesses and creates a roadmap to overcome knowledge gaps in geothermal energy, based on best practices used within the oil and gas industry
- Addresses four interrelated focus areas, including workforce adoption
- Includes several workforce-relevant activities, including a workforce development stakeholder survey, an internship program, a weekend-long “Student Days” workshop, and a Geothermal Innovation Summit
FUNDING
DOE expects GEODE will be a multi-year effort, including competitive solicitations totaling up to $155 million for research activities, pending appropriations.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
https://www.energy.gov/hgeo/geothermal/geothermal-energy-oil-and-gas-demonstrated-engineering
The University Training and Research (UTR) program supports early-stage research at U.S. colleges and universities that advances the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) mission of unleashing the full potential of America’s hydrocarbon and geothermal resources to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy.
By investing in the education and training of America’s future energy workforce, this program highlights the key role technology plays in addressing America’s energy challenges, promotes the development of innovative and disruptive technologies, and reinforces workforce development as a part of our nation’s continued economic prosperity.
The core mission of the UTR program is threefold, focusing on students, educational institutions, and U.S. Department of Energy research priorities:
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Funding opportunities are administered by the National Energy Technology Laboratory. Click here to view the UTR webpage on the NETL site which contains information about:
- America’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal workforce
- Highlights of UTR student participants
- A table of recent UTR funding opportunities
- An interactive map of active and previous UTR projects
Other Student Opportunities
A competition that invites collegiate teams to develop real-world geothermal solutions while competing for cash prizes.
- Funded by DOE for 10+ years; provides opportunities to engage with industry professionals and local communities
- Builds understanding of how geothermal resources can provide affordable, reliable energy nationwide
- Competition topics vary (e.g., geothermal system design, data visualization, geospatial mapping, geothermal infographics)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
https://www.energy.gov/hgeo/geothermal/geothermal-collegiate-competition
The U.S. Department of Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Return to HGEO Careers page