Solar Manufacturing Internship for Leaders in Energy 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. Appointments will be offered through the EERE Research Participation Program. 

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.

Financial Support

• 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.
• You may be required to travel to Washington, DC for scheduled professional development activities. You will be allocated a travel/education allowance of up to $2,000 to cover those expenses.

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

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