The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Idaho Operations Office, has announced a funding opportunity under the University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) to support scholarships and fellowships for students pursuing studies in nuclear science and engineering. The primary goal of the UNLP is to attract and prepare students for careers in the nuclear energy sector by providing financial assistance to eligible students at accredited two- and four-year institutions of higher education (IHEs) in the United States. The funding opportunity aims to support the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) mission to advance nuclear energy technology and workforce development to meet national energy, environmental, and economic challenges.

The program will fund scholarships for undergraduate students enrolled in four-year colleges and universities, as well as two-year trade schools and community colleges. Graduate fellowships are also available for students pursuing advanced degrees in disciplines related to nuclear energy, including nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemistry, health physics, radiochemistry, cybersecurity, and more. The fellowship program includes an internship requirement at a DOE national laboratory or facility, with additional funding available for an optional exchange opportunity in the United Kingdom.

The estimated funding for this program is up to $6 million per fiscal year, with scholarships for undergraduate students set at $10,000 per year for four-year colleges and $5,000 per year for two-year institutions. The graduate fellowship program provides up to $175,000 per student over three years, including an annual stipend of $40,000, a tuition allowance of $15,000, a research travel allowance, and additional funds for required internships. Funding is allocated to participating institutions based on the number of students selected for the program.

Eligibility for this funding is restricted to U.S. IHEs that offer relevant academic programs in nuclear science and engineering fields. Only institutions that meet these criteria and are included in the list of approved universities under the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) are eligible to apply. Students must apply separately through a different selection process managed by the DOE. There is no cost-sharing requirement for this funding opportunity.

Applications for this grant will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 14, 2030. Initial applications were due by December 2, 2020, but new applications continue to be reviewed as needed. The DOE will evaluate applications based on the strength of the nuclear science and engineering program, faculty qualifications, alignment with DOE’s mission, and administrative capacity to manage the scholarship and fellowship funds. Selection factors also include the ability of the institution to successfully process and track funding and ensure student success.

For questions about the scholarship and fellowship support program, institutions may contact Tyler Newitt at Tyler.Newitt@inl.gov or 208-526-4990. For procedural questions regarding the funding opportunity announcement (FOA), applicants can reach out to Andrew Ford at fordaj@id.doe.gov or 208-526-3059.