October 7, 2025

EM STARS Scholarship Program

Apply Now!
Deadline: December 12, 2025 | 11:59 PM EST
Application Link: EM STARS Application

The EM STARS program provides undergraduate students at MSIs with opportunities to engage in research and operations in critical STEM areas, including:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Deactivation & Decommissioning
  • Machine Learning
  • Robotics
  • Soil & Groundwater
  • Tank Waste

Why Should Students Apply?

As a STARS Scholar, you’ll receive:

  • Financial Support: Tuition allowance of up to $36,000 per academic year (adjusted based on actual tuition costs) and a stipend of $32,000 per academic year.
  • Paid Summer Internships: 10-week internships with accomplished mentors at EM headquarters, field offices, or DOE national laboratories.
  • Networking Opportunities: Engage with the EM community, including field sites, contractors, stakeholders, and other STARS Scholars.
  • Career Development: Continued academic and career guidance, along with potential employment opportunities with EM after graduation.

What Will Scholars Do?

The EM STARS program supports your academic journey, from undergraduate studies to a potential master’s degree. Summer internships will immerse you in EM’s mission, functions, and operations, giving you hands-on experience in your chosen research areas.

Upon graduation, you’ll be well-prepared to contribute to EM’s mission and pursue career opportunities within DOE.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
  • Be 18 years of age by June 1, 2026.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited MSI during the 2025–2026 academic year.
  • Have completed at least two years toward an undergraduate degree and be graduating no earlier than Spring 2027.
  • Be pursuing a STEM degree that supports EM research and operations.

For detailed eligibility requirements, visit the opportunity announcement.

How to Apply

Complete application details and required materials can be found at the EM STARS Application.

Deadlines:

  • Applications: Due December 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET
  • Recommendations: Due December 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET

Attend an EM STARS Information Session for University Partners!

Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET
Registration Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/651FyuRDTF-DIb_7WjFHxg

Please share this opportunity with students, colleagues, and anyone who may be interested in advancing their academic and career goals with DOE.

This program is funded by the DOE Office of Environmental Management and managed in partnership with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

For questions, contact us at EM_STARS@orise.orau.gov.

Thank you for helping us connect talented students with this incredible opportunity!