WDTS Pathway Summer School - Undergrad

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

25d • Onsite

About The Position

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 begins June 23, 2026 through July 29, 2026, and applicants must be available to start on June 23 and work 29 hours per week on-site in Richland, WA .

Requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years of age by start date
• 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 currently enrolled as either a freshman or sophomore undergraduate at the time of application with an anticipated graduation date of 2028 or later.

Nice To Haves

• 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
• Demonstrates interest in DOE WDTS internships

Responsibilities

• Led by OSEWD and guided by a summer school team of mentors, including experienced researchers trained in STEM education, students will participate in one of two distinct WDTS Pathway Summer School programs. Each program has a focused research theme, and students will engage only in the activities aligned with their selected program.
• Across both programs, summer school students will:
• Prepare for future WDTS internships and STEM academic pathways
• Develop a professional portfolio
• Program-specific focus areas include:
• WDTS PSS Critical Minerals and Materials Program:
• Develop an understanding of PNNL’s critical minerals, materials science, and artificial intelligence research portfolios.
• WDTS PSS Energy and the Grid Program:
• Develop an understanding of PNNL’s energy systems, power grid research, and artificial intelligence research portfolios.

Benefits

• Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
• Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees