The Energy Internship Program connects Duke students from all majors, backgrounds, and degree programs to summer internship opportunities across the energy sector, including at start-ups, utilities, renewable energy developers, large firms, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The fund also provides support for summer research projects focused on energy access or energy transitions in low- and middle-income countries.
Fund Your Internship
***The funding period for summer 2024 is now closed. Funding for summer internships will resume in 2025.***
Duke undergraduate and graduate students who will be returning to Duke for the subsequent fall semester may apply for supplementary funding through the Energy Internship Program once they have been offered an energy-related internship. This funding can be used to turn an unpaid internship into a paid internship or increase the stipend for a low-paying internship.
The internship does not have to be included on the Nicholas Institute's list of opportunities for you to be eligible for funding. The amount of financial support will be negotiated with both student and employer, based on numerous factors, including the extent of compensation (if any) indicated in the internship offer letter. Funding decisions are made on a rolling basis, so apply ASAP after receiving your internship offer!
We will consider funding applications for unpaid or low-paid internships. Low-paid internships are generally defined as those for which the compensation does not cover your primary living expenses in the region where the hiring organization requires you to live.
Note: International students requiring CPT status must be approved for CPT to receive funding from the Energy Internship Program. This must be determined and approved with Duke Visa Services PRIOR to the start of the funded internship.
Thanks to a partnership with the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project at Duke, some funding is reserved for internships or research projects related to energy access or energy transitions in low- and middle-income countries.
For Companies, Agencies, & Organizations Seeking Duke Student Interns
We'll make it easy for you to find a self-starter who’s eager to learn and contribute to your company next summer. Our talent pool includes undergraduate and graduate students in many degree programs, including business, engineering, environmental management, law, policy, the sciences, and more. All benefit from Duke's interdisciplinary approach to energy education, which encourages systemic thinking and hones students’ problem-solving skills.