WDTS Pathway Summer Schools - Undergrad

Overview

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is hosting two Pathway Summer Schools (PSS) for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science, sponsored by the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS). The WDTS Pathway Summer Schools create innovative pathways for students with the goal of attracting young students from all backgrounds toward building a STEM talent pool. DOE WDTS PSS at PNNL programs focus on building science identity, enhancing STEM efficacy, and stimulating interest in learning and careers of importance to DOE mission.
 
Our PNNL Office of STEM Education and Workforce Development (OSEWD) is seeking undergraduate students who are interested in STEM studies or careers to participate in a 6-week active learning experience this summer at the Richland campus. Students of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. 

The internship runs from June 23, 2026 through July 29, 2026, and participants must be available to start on June 23 and work up to 29 hours per week.

Responsibilities

Led by OSEWD and guided by a summer school team of mentors, including experienced researchers trained in STEM education, summer school students will:

• Prepare for WDTS internships and STEM studies.
• Develop an understanding of PNNL’s critical minerals and materials and artificial intelligence research portfolios in the WDTS PSS Critical Minerals and Materials Program.
• Develop an understanding of PNNL’s energy, the power grid, and artificial intelligence research portfolios in the WDTS PSS Energy and the Grid Program.
• Develop a professional portfolio.

 
****HOW TO APPLY****

To have a complete application package, the below must be uploaded correctly for consideration:

• Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the resume uploaded will be the resume used for all positions an applicant applies towards)
• If a resume is not uploaded, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must be 18 years of age by program start date of June 23rd, 2026.
• Applicants must be able to work 29 hours a week.
• Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all science, technology, engineering, and math courses.
• Applicants must be an enrolled undergraduate student at an accredited institution that will complete their degree in 2027 or later.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrates interest in STEM Studies.
• Demonstrates interest in energy and power grid research.
• Demonstrates interest in critical minerals and materials research.
• Demonstrates an interest in the role of AI in scientific research.
• Relevant coursework desired: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science.
• Demonstrates interest in DOE WDTS internships.