Equitable Community Solar and Energy Assistance Fellowship

The Equitable Community Solar and Energy Assistance Fellowship (ECSEAF) offers fellows the opportunity to learn and collaborate with state organizations on the Clean Energy Connector pilot test. This online tool, developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), aims to make community solar subscriptions that include verified savings and strong consumer protections more accessible to households participating in government-run low-income support programs, beginning with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The fellowship will enable talented candidates from diverse backgrounds to spend up to two years embedded within host organizations in participating pilot regions for an immersive learning opportunity.

Under the guidance of a mentor, fellows will learn and engage with community solar and LIHEAP program offices on the pilot phase of the Connector, which may include: (1) Liaising between the community solar and LIHEAP programs to increase state capacity, collaboration, and coordination in order to pilot the Connector; (2) learning to create and provide education and outreach materials for income-verified household enrollment in low-income community solar subscriptions, (3) learning to engage with community solar subscription managers to encourage their participation on the Connector, and (4) participating in the growth and expansion of the Connector as opportunities arise.

Individuals who are self-motivated, can participate both independently and with a team, and have experience with complex projects are encouraged to apply.

Available Host Institutions

In the application, you will indicate your preferred host institution from the list below. You must be willing to relocate to the host facility’s area, if selected:

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (Boston, MA)

Seeking a fellow with experience and interest coordinating with internal and external parties, as well as drafting or coauthoring policy memos, preparing slide decks, or other materials communicating complex concepts or technical information.
Stipends begin at $56,000 for a bachelor’s degree and $68,000 for a master’s degree.

Maryland Public Service Commission (Baltimore, MD)

Seeking fellows with experience and interest in stakeholder engagement and community outreach and education.
Stipends begin at $56,000 for a bachelor’s degree and $68,000 for a master’s degree.

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (Santa Fe, NM)

Seeking fellows with experience and interest in stakeholder engagement and community outreach and education.
Stipends begin at $50,000 for a bachelor’s degree and $61,000 for a master’s degree.

Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (Providence, RI)

Seeking a fellow who could collaborate closely with the office on all aspects of the state’s community solar program and engage closely with stakeholders.
Stipends begin at $56,000 for a bachelor’s degree and $68,000 for a master’s degree.

Fellowship Details

The fellowship appointment is initially for one-year, renewable for a second year contingent upon availability of funding, with opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement provided for each cohort. Fellows receive a stipend, health insurance allowance, and a generous allowance for professional development. Stipends are determined by highest degree level received, years of relevant professional experience, and location. For those with significant academic background and/or professional experience following their degree, stipends will be determined on an individual basis.

Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
Degree: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctoral Degree
Discipline(s):
- Business
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences
- Communications and Graphics Design
- Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
- Earth and Geosciences
- Engineering
- Environmental and Marine Sciences
- Life Health and Medical Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Other Non-Science & Engineering
- Physics
- Science & Engineering-related
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Age: Must be 18 years of age

Application

Due on December 30, 2024, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Apply by scrolling to the bottom of the Equitable Community Solar and Energy Assistance Fellowship page. Then click the blue box marked, “Apply”.

Questions?

Contact ORISE at DOE-RPP@orise.orau.gov with “The Equitable Community Solar and Energy Assistance Fellowship” in the subject line.

For More Detailed Program information, Selection Criteria, and application, click here.