Does DOE have an HSI Strategy?

The Department of Energy (DOE) has historically been very interested in supporting underserved populations and communities, but their focus on underserved research communities tends to target HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). If you've looked at the ASU HSI funding opportunities tracker, you will notice a lack of DOE opportunities. Nonetheless, many DOE funding solicitations have an eligibility preference towards underrepresented PIs and MSI's (Minority Serving Institutions, which includes HSI's). Reviewers and Program Directors are aware of this language in the FOAs and may consider this factor in review. 

While the agency has not traditionally provided specific research opportunities for HSIs, it does encourage students from HSIs to participate in their National Laboratory internship programs (often as part of the MEISPP as described below).

For more information about DOE's policies on diversity, see the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity

For a broad list of DOE information and topics related to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity’s (ED) Office of Minority Programs, Minority Educational Institutions Division provides this page: https://www.energy.gov/diversity/minority-educational-institutions-division

Two opportunities of interest to consider:

Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program (MEISPP) Internships

The MEISPP offers talented undergraduate and graduate students 10-week summer internships with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its national laboratories. This opportunity is only available to MSIs, including ASU. If you have a research partnership with any of the National Labs, you should inquire directly.

National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program (https://thenejc.org/)

While not directly related to HSI engagement, if you are interested in DOE's environmental justice initiatives, consider attending the 2024 National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program in Washington D.C., April 16-18, 2024. Registration is free for faculty and students through March 29, 2024.

If you have additional questions or have additional information you'd like to contribute on this topic, feel free to reach out to me directly: quyen.wickham@asu.edu