How to Apply

Application Resources & Support

Scheduled Events:

SULI Application Assistance Workshops:

  • April 8, 2026 at 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET Join us for the upcoming SULI Application Assistance workshop. This session will provide an overview of the program and equip you with effective strategies for submitting a compliant application. Register on Zoom for the SULI workshop

SULI Office Hours

  • April 29, May 6, May 13, 2026, at 2:00-3:00 pm ET.
    Questions? The program office will be holding office hours to address administrative questions regarding the application process, including submission procedures. We encourage both applicants and letter-of-recommendation writers to attend. Please Register on Zoom.  

[All dates are tentative and subject to change.]

Application Requirements

A complete application includes:

Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered for review and selection. All materials must be uploaded into the application system; mailed or emailed documents will not be accepted.

1. Required Fields of the Online Application System

Completion of all required fields in the applications, including:

  • Contact and Education Information
  • Citizenship Status
  • Laboratory/facility choice and research interests
  • Essays

Applicants should create an account on the SULI online application system. The online system will guide you through each section. For details on the selection process, please review the Application Selection Process and Notification.

2. Undergraduate Transcripts (Submitted Online)

Submit all transcripts directly through the online application system.

  • Redaction Requirement: Before uploading, you must remove (blank out, black out, make illegible) any Social Security numbers and/or full dates of birth (month, day, year). Applications containing this Personally Identifiable Information (PII) will be deemed non-compliant and will not be released to host laboratories or facilities for review or consideration. The application system provides an easy-to-use upload feature. The upload feature does provide a redaction tool to assist in redacting your PII from your transcript. It is your responsibility to ensure that your PII is redacted or removed from your transcript.
  • Acceptable Formats: Official or unofficial transcripts are accepted. They must clearly show:
    • Applicant's name
    • Name of the university/college
    • All courses with grades, and
    • Cumulative GPA
  • Unacceptable Formats: Degree audits or advising reports are not accepted. Screenshots of transcripts are also not allowed.
  • Legibility: Transcripts must be clear and legible, uploaded as Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files, and labeled with your name and institution.
  • Eligibility-Specific Transcript Requirements:
    • Current/Recent Institution: Submit the most recent transcript available from your current or recently-graduated undergraduate institution. This transcript must have been printed or accessed no earlier than the application opening date.
    • Prior Institutions: Additionally, submit undergraduate transcripts from all other undergraduate academic institutions you attended as a matriculated postsecondary student within the 5 years preceding your current enrollment. This includes transcripts for any transfer credits earned from previously attended colleges/universities.

3. Two Letters of Support

Recommendations are submitted directly by your recommenders through the online system.

  • Request Process: You are highly encouraged to request recommendations before submitting your full application. Use the "Request Recommendations" tab in your SULI account to list recommenders; requests are sent automatically once listed.
  • Responsibility: It is your responsibility to ensure your recommenders submit their letters by the application deadline. Discuss your request with them in advance and allow ample time.
  • Quantity: A minimum of two recommendations is required; you may solicit up to three. Keep in mind, only the first two completed in the system will be included with your application.
  • Recommender Qualifications: Letters should come from individuals familiar with your education, training, experience, aptitude, or potential relevant to the SULI program. Suitable recommenders include STEM course instructors, internship mentors/supervisors, and research advisors.
  • Restrictions: Recommendations must come from professional or academic contacts who are aware of the applicant's STEM experience and aptitudes relevant to collaboration and the program. Letters of recommendation from family members, friends, social acquaintances (including friends of family members, peers, or classmates), religious leaders, or current/former SULI/CCI interns with whom the applicant shares a peer relationship, are not permitted. However, former SULI/CCI interns who are permanently employed at DOE labs or headquarters or served as an academic instructor/advisor are eligible to serve as a recommender.