About the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program is a 10-week summer research internship for undergraduate and master’s 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 of unleashing the full potential of America’s hydrocarbon and geothermal resources to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy. At the end of the program, participants present their research findings at the MLEF Technical Forum.
As a MLEF participant, you will train under the mentorship of scientists and engineers while completing a mission-focused research project. During the 10-week appointment, you will receive a bi-weekly stipend, and may be eligible for housing and travel assistance.
Eligibility
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
- Must be in the United States, a U.S. territory, or residing on a United States military base for the entire duration of the appointment.
- Be enrolled full-time as a degree-seeking student in a STEM program at an accredited U.S. college or university at the associate, bachelor’s, or master’s level at the time of application. Proof of enrollment is required with your application. Students enrolled at institutions outside the U.S. and its territories are ineligible.
- For undergraduate applicants, be classified as a college or university sophomore or higher at the time of application and have completed at least one full academic year as a matriculated undergraduate student. Advanced Placement credits or other college credits earned prior to matriculation do not count toward the one-year requirement.
- Be available to participate in all required program activities, including Orientation, Kickoff, and the full 10-week appointment.
Locations
Selections are based on a student’s qualifications and the needs of the host site. Proximity to the host site is not factored during the selection process.
The MLEF Program is primarily an in-person program. Participants may be placed at one of several U.S. Department of Energy sites, including but not limited to:
- U.S. Department of Energy Headquarters
- National Energy Technology Laboratory
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- Idaho National Laboratory
- National Laboratory of the Rockies
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Important Dates
- Student Application Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST
- Application Status Notification: April 2027
- Participant Orientation (virtual): May 2027
- Participant Kickoff: Thursday, June 3, 2027 in Washington, D.C.
- Program Dates: June 7 – August 13, 2027
- Technical Forum: August 9 – 12, 2027 in Pittsburgh, PA (location subject to change)
Virtual Information Sessions
Register to attend a virtual information session. Program staff will review the application process, provide resume tips and share information on other DOE research programs that may be available.
Session Date/Time:
- Tuesday, September 22, 2026 — 4:00 PM ET
- Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — 12:00 PM ET
- Monday, October 19, 2026 — 6:00 PM ET
- Thursday, November 19, 2026 — 3:00 PM ET
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026 — 8:00 PM ET
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026 — 4:00 PM ET
- Monday, January 4, 2027 — 7:00 PM ET
Register for one of our information sessions.
Program Contact
Visit our website www.energy.gov/hgeo/mlef for more information on the MLEF Program.
Contact MLEF@hq.doe.gov if you have any questions.