Clean Energy Fellowship Program for University Participants
Overview
The Clean Energy Fellowship Program is designed to encourage and support interdisciplinary student research in topics that further the development of, and build student expertise in, clean energy concepts. Undergraduate and graduate university students at participating universities will be provided the opportunity to conduct paid, independent research in various sectors of clean energy, including solar, wind, geothermal, green hydrogen, fuel cells, biomass, tidal, nuclear, and hydropower, under the mentorship of a university faculty advisor over an academic year. In addition to financial stipends, students will receive the opportunity to gain industry knowledge through monthly cohort meetings, guest lectures, site visits, and other activities. Students will present their research findings to industry, academic, and community stakeholders at an annual Clean Energy Research Symposium. University awards are subject to availability of funding.
Key dates
- Applications for the fellowship open on September 24, 2026. The deadline to apply is October 9, 2026.
- Students will be notified of the selection no later than October 15, 2026, and will have four days to confirm acceptance in writing.
- The program will run from October 23, 2026 until August 6, 2027 (one academic year and one summer).
Eligibility
- Undergraduates: Juniors only (Class of 2028)
- Graduate Students: All graduate students, including Master’s and Ph.D.
- Open to all fields of study ranging across STEM, arts, humanities, and social sciences
- Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to apply
Students will apply directly through a portal on the Andlinger Center’s NJEDA Clean Energy Fellowship website. Applicants will need to submit:
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- 1-2 page description of the research that will be undertaken.
- Brief personal statement (~300 words) explaining the motivation for applying for the Fellowship and what skills and experience the student brings to the proposed project
- Resume/CV
- Unofficial transcript
- Letter of recommendation from the faculty member/lecturer/researcher advising the project
Stipend Breakdown
Undergraduate Fellows will be awarded a fellowship totaling $13,500 , plus an additional $500 for travel, materials, and other fellowship expenses. Research is expected to take place over 24 weeks during the Fall ’26 and Spring ’27 semesters and Summer ’27. The Fellowship will be disbursed in accordance with Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid protocols.
Graduate fellows will be awarded a fellowship of $27,000, plus an additional $500 for travel, materials, and other Fellowship expenses. The Fellowship will be disbursed in accordance with Graduate School protocols. It will support a partial stipend and tuition for 15 weeks of the academic year and cover 100% of 9 weeks of summer support.
Fellowship Requirements
Selected students will be required to conduct a minimum of 24 weeks of research during the AY26-27 academic year and following summer.
Both graduate and undergraduate fellows are expected to attend monthly NJEDA meetings and present their work at a spring symposium, which will occur off-campus.