Solar Manufacturing Internship for Leaders in Energy (SMILE) Program - Application Deadline

Interested in engineering or environmental sciences? Curious to learn about solar energy and manufacturing? 

Applications are now open for the Solar Manufacturing Internship for Leaders in Energy (SMILE) Program!

The Solar Manufacturing Internship for Leaders in Energy (SMILE) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). SMILE will provide an opportunity for students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to intern at SETO portfolio companies. Students will participate in professional development programming in addition to their core assignments, which will provide the opportunity to engage and learn about the development of innovative solar energy technologies. 

The internships will be held for up to 10-weeks during the 2025 summer with a tentative start date of June 2, 2025. Internships will be served on-site (remote appointments may be considered on a case-by-case basis). Potential host sites will include solar energy manufacturing small businesses and nonprofits located across the U.S.

What are the benefits?

• Stipend: $850 per week for full-time participation based on 40 hours per week.
• Housing Supplement: $150/week for participants will be provided, if eligible. Additionally, a housing stipend increase may be provided to offset high cost of living in certain locations.
• Local Transportation: $30/week
• Inbound/Outbound Transportation Allowance: Up to $1,200 for participants who relocate more than fifty miles, one way, from their assigned internship site to offset transportation expenses to/from the assigned internship site. If the participant travels by plane or train, ORISE will make travel arrangements and purchase the plane or train tickets.
• Travel/Education Allowance: Up to $2,000. You are be required to travel to Washington, DC for scheduled professional development activities, which the allowance can cover these expenses. 

Want to learn more about this exciting opportunity? RVSP for their informational webinar on October 17th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST, or 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM AZ Time. 

Need help with your application? Reach out to an Undergraduate Research Ambassador (URA) on how to craft a competitive application to this program by emailing undergradresearch@arizona.edu or making a 1:1 appointment with an URA.

Ready to apply? Apply to the application at this link. The deadline is on December 9th, 2024, 11:59 pm EST, or 9:59 PM AZ Time.

Questions? If you have any questions, please contact Cedricka Harris at DOE-RPP@orise.orau.gov.