DOE EM Success Through Academic Research Scholarship (STARS)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) Success Through Academic Research Scholarship (STARS) program provides opportunities for undergraduate students from qualifying institutions pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that supports the EM research and operations in the following areas: Soil & Groundwater; Deactivation & Decommissioning; Tank Waste; Robotics; Machine Learning; Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; and Advanced Manufacturing.

You must apply through Zintellect which you can easily access on our website which is through the link "ORAU" at the bottom of this posting under Alecia Booth. Application Deadline: November 1, 2026 Why should I apply? You will receive: - Financial support for the pursuit of an undergraduate degree for up to two years and two additional years for students choosing to pursue a masters degree - Paid summer internships under the guidance of an accomplished mentor at EM headquarter offices, field offices, or DOE national laboratories - Opportunities to engage with the EM community (e.g., EM field sites, contractors, stakeholders) and other STARS participants - Academic and career guidance - Continued engagement with EM after graduation through employment opportunities or postgraduate appointments Financial Support - Tuition Scholarship: up to $36,000/academic year (Amount is based on expected average cost.

The tuition allowance may be higher based on students actual tuition costs.) - Stipend: $32,000/academic year - Education Allowance: $5,000/scholarship year - Summer Internship: 10-week internship - Stipend: $750/week - Housing Allowance: up to $700/week based on assigned location (If relocating more than fifty miles from assigned location) - Local Transportation: $50/week - Inbound/Outbound: up to $1,000 (If relocating more than fifty miles from assigned location) NOTE: Charges for optional, refundable and penalty fees (such as late registration), meal plans, books and housing are not covered by the award.

The stipend during the academic term is meant to offset the cost of these expenses. Scholarship Description EM STARS provides undergraduate students at qualifying institutions with up to two years of financial support while they work toward their undergraduate degree. If participants decide to pursue a masters degree, the program will support them for up to two more years.

While participants pursue their degrees, they'll get hands-on experience through transformational internships with the EM team at one of their sites. Through the internship opportunities, participants will learn about EM, get to see how EM tackles big challenges, and gain real-world skills that connect directly to their studies. EM STARS aims to help participants graduate with a strong understanding of EMs mission and be highly prepared to join the EM workforce.

After completing the program, EM expects participants apply, and if selected, join the EM team as a full-time employee for a number of years equal to the year of their time in the program. Alternatively, if participants plan to go straight into a master's degree after the completion of their undergraduate degree, the program will provide continued support for up to two more years.

During this time, participants will participate in up to two additional summer internships with EM. EM STARS is an investment in the future of it's participants - and in return, EM requires that participants meet program requirements and pursue future employment with EM or an affiliated program after graduation. Participants who choose not to pursue employment with EM or an approved affiliated program after graduation will be expected to repay up to 100% of the program fees.

Review of Applications Student applications will be evaluated based on academic merit, enrollment in STEM coursework, extracurricular activities (e.g., teams, clubs, and relevant work experience), recommendation, interest in STEM, and an interest in the DOE EM mission. Nature of Appointment Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, EM, EM STARS or the hosting site.

Instead, participants will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. A complete application consists of: - Zintellect Profile - Academic Institution Classification - Program Specific Questions (Character limits three hundred words) - Select your top three research areas of interest in relation to the DOE EM Mission: Soil & Groundwater; Deactivation & Decommissioning; Tank Waste; Robotics; Machine Learning; Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; Advanced Manufacturing.

Preferences will be taken into consideration when matching applicants with available projects. - Resume including the following sections in no particular order. An example of an academic resume can be found at (link removed) - Academic Records: A copy of an official or unofficial transcript or copies of the academic records from internal institutional systems may be submitted.

Transcript or academic records must clearly show the name of the student, name of the academic institution, enrollment as of Fall 2026, in progress / completed / enrolled courses, grades, most recent cumulative GPA, and degree in progress as of Fall 2026. Academic records must include undergraduate courses and grades for the equivalent of two years.

Applicants may combine academic records into one document if they have attended multiple academic institutions. Please provide all transcripts for institutions you have attended and are using to show credits for this application. Selected candidates must provide proof of enrollment during the Spring 2027 term. - One recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor at the institution where the student is currently attending.

The recommendation should address the students academic record and potential for success such as demonstrated intellectual merit, communication, and teamwork skills. Recommenders will be asked to submit a recommendation in Zintellect. Letters of recommendation submitted via email will not be accepted. Your recommendation must be submitted by Sunday, November 8, 2026.