Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) STEM Education builds partnerships and collaborations through a robust network of relationships to accelerate PNNL’s scientific impact for the Department of Energy (DOE) and our nation, and to equip our future STEM leaders. We prioritize investing in today’s STEM educators and students to drive scientific change and innovation for the future.

Through these partnerships with higher education institutions, K-12 schools, industry, and community leaders, we’re pleased to offer a comprehensive portfolio of internships and experiences in STEM and business fields that serve as a catalyst to inspire and equip the next generation of STEM experts. 

STEM Internship Opportunities

Every year, over 1,500 interns and research associates come to PNNL to participate in internships that provide hands-on experience and research opportunities with leading experts in their fields. As interns, they gain access to our prestigious intern development experience called the Gold Experience. This premier program provides interns and research associates with dedicated mentorship, strategic professional development opportunities, and networking activities to prepare them for future STEM careers. 

STEM Mentor Expertise

The experience that our interns have is shaped not only by the work they do but also by the dedicated mentoring from world-class experts in their field. We intentionally train and support our STEM mentors, providing resources, training on how to be mentor for virtual and remote interns, and ongoing mentorship workshops to ensure they provide students with an exceptional, experiential learning experience. Our STEM mentors elevate our students' experiences by providing one-on-one guidance, active learning opportunities, and helping students network to intentionally explore careers. With over 1,000 mentors throughout PNNL serving as mentors to our STEM interns each year, we're committed to creating pathways and opportunities for the future STEM workforce.

STEM Educator and Faculty Development

Educators provide inspiration, encouragement, and support for STEM students as they develop STEM skills, expertise, and their sense of identity. Educators also influence thinking about future careers. PNNL believes in investing in STEM educators as a direct way to support STEM students. We also engage STEM faculty from colleges and universities from around the country to support our workforce development goals. 

STEM Competitions

As part of our workforce development strategy, PNNL STEM Education hosts several competitions throughout the year for the Department of Energy. These competitions allow high school and college students interested in STEM to gather and compete against students from across Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. Participants also have the opportunity to learn more about PNNL, the national laboratory system, and the array of STEM careers available.