Deadline: Friday, May 6

What it is: The Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship will fund recent graduates and energy professionals to spend up to two years supporting a variety of clean energy organizations. This program, co-funded by the Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), will help increase access to clean energy career opportunities across the country and accelerate the national transition to a resilient and affordable clean energy economy. 

What’s on offer: Innovator Fellows receive a stipend and an educational allowance while working with a host institution. Host institutions get an employee for up to two years to support projects that will help decarbonize the power system, electrify transportation and industry, and make the U.S. power system more equitable and inclusive.

Eligible fellows: The fellowship is open to recent bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates or mid-career professionals in fields relevant to electricity generation, transmission, or distribution. Applications are available online.

Eligible hosts: Eligible hosts include electric public utility commissions, municipal utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and grid operators, such as independent system operators or regional transmission organizations. Potential fellow supervisors from the host institution must show an interest in mentoring. Applications are available online.

Deadline: Sunday, May 8

What it is: WPTO recently launched the first Hydropower Collegiate Competition (HCC). While hydropower already plays an important role in the power system, providing 37% of total U.S. renewable electricity generation and 93% of grid-scale energy storage, the industry still has untapped potential and significant opportunity for growth. The HCC encourages students to offer unique solutions to complex challenges related to hydropower’s ability to enable a 100% renewable energy grid. 

What’s on offer: The HCC will provide students with direct energy industry experience, valuable education on the possibilities of hydropower, and a window into potential hydropower career pathways. Teams from U.S.-accredited educational institutions will receive $10,000 to support their efforts throughout the competition and be eligible to compete for additional cash prizes.

Eligible participants: Teams of undergraduate, graduate, and community college students interested in hydropower are eligible for the competition. Teams are encouraged to include a variety of disciplines and majors among their teammates. Educational institutions outside the U.S. are eligible to compete though only U.S.-accredited institutions are able to receive financial support from DOE. Teams do not need to be fully formed to apply⁠—a single student and faculty member are required at the time of application. Applications are available online.

Deadline: Sunday, May 8

What it is: WPTO recently opened applications for the fourth annual Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC), which challenges competitors to unlock the power of the ocean through the development of next-generation marine energy technologies. Undergraduate and graduate students from post-secondary institutions—including colleges, universities, community colleges, and trade schools—are invited to compete.

What’s on offer: The competition provides real-world experience and industry connections that will help competitors prepare for future careers in the marine energy sector and the blue economy. Although few institutions offer marine-specific advanced degrees, having related experience is highly valuable for future prospects within a wide range of blue economy opportunities. Teams from U.S.-accredited educational institutions can receive up to $15,000 to support their efforts throughout the competition.

Eligible participants: Teams of undergraduate, graduate, and community college students interested in marine energy are eligible for the competition. Teams are encouraged to include a variety of disciplines and majors among their teammates. Educational institutions outside the U.S. are eligible to compete though only U.S.-accredited institutions are able to receive financial support from DOE. Teams do not need to be fully formed to apply⁠—a single student and faculty member are required at the time of application. Applications are available online.