Are you a community college student who is ready to use your STEM education to change the world? Then the Community College Internship (CCI) program is an ideal choice!

This program is uniquely designed for community college students, and you’ll discover that it equips you with research experience and professional development. At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), you’ll be mentored by a leading science expert who will guide you in a specific research area to gain maximum exposure to one of the many science and technology areas that underpin the diverse missions of the Department of Energy (DOE). All of this helps open a pathway for you to launch a STEM career.

About CCI

During the 10-week internship program, students receive intensive technical training experiences at DOE laboratories, such as PNNL. Interns will work under the guidance of staff scientists or engineers who have specialized training as mentors. For complete information about deadlines, eligibility, and more, please see the DOE program website.

The DOE Office of Science wants community college students to be part of the workforce of the future. CCI is sponsored by DOE to encourage students studying at community colleges to enter careers relevant to the DOE mission. Each year, PNNL hosts many of these interns to work on technologies and instrumentation projects while helping them prepare to launch their STEM careers.

Live the Gold Experience

An additional benefit of this internship is that you will be invited to participate in PNNL’s Gold Experience—an enhanced model and method for delivering an internship experience that embraces PNNL’s core values of collaboration, courage, integrity, and creativity. You’ll stay connected to PNNL, fellow interns, and your mentor via the following activities:

• Comprehensive onboarding, including new-hire meet and greets
• Tours of PNNL’s world-class facilities and interaction with PNNL leadership, scientists, and engineers
• Monthly seminars, workshops, and discussions with mentors
• Professional development and networking opportunities.

As one of 17 national laboratories and one of the largest STEM employers in the Northwest, PNNL is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and furthering DOE’s mission in science education and diverse workforce development. Competitive internship opportunities like this are one way we support that goal. Many students return for multiple internships and successfully apply for full-time positions after their college graduation.

Key Program Dates and Information

There are typically three separate internship terms throughout the year. Eligible students must apply through DOE’s CCI application page. After applications are reviewed and approved by DOE, eligible students are referred to PNNL for interview and placement.

Compensation and reimbursements

Salary, travel, and housing reimbursements are provided for eligible students. Find information regarding compensation, benefits, and requirements is available on the CCI benefits page.

Restrictions may apply

Students must be 18 years of age at the time the internship begins. They must be a United States Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident at the time of applying. Other eligibility requirements are determined by DOE.