WDTS Pathway Summer Schools - High School

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

2d • 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.

The PNNL Office of STEM Education and Workforce Development (OSEWD) is seeking high school students interested in STEM studies or careers to participate in a 6-week, hands-on learning experience at our Richland campus this summer. Students of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

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

Requirements

• 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.
• Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: • Be a current high school senior at a public or private high school graduating in Spring 2026, or • Be a recent high school graduate (within the past two years) who has not enrolled full-time in a college or university.

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, and Computer Science.
• Demonstrates interest in DOE WDTS internships.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees