The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program provides college students with an opportunity to gain and develop research skills with the Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy for 10 weeks over the summer. For 20 years, this program has increased awareness of DOE research opportunities to students pursuing STEM degrees (short for science, technology, engineering and math). The goal of the program is to improve opportunities for women and minority students in these fields, however all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

Selected candidates will train under the mentorship of program officials and scientists on focused research projects consistent with the mission of the Office of Fossil Energy. Fellows will receive a stipend and some students may be eligible to receive housing and travel allowance for the duration of the program.

At the conclusion of the program, Fellows are required to attend a "Technical Forum" where they will present their research findings and tour a technical site located nearby.

Undergraduate students receive a weekly stipend of $600;

Master’s students receive a weekly stipend of $750;

Ph.D. students or graduates receive a weekly stipend of $850.

Some participates may be eligible to receive a housing and travel allowance.