“Since I became an intern, it showed me that working to build renewable energy projects in Indian Country for the benefit of Native communities is something that I’m passionate about and want to do in my career.”
That’s Sarah LaVallie, a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota and a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, referring to her experience in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy-sponsored student internship program. The internship program for college students is administered through DOE’s Sandia National Laboratories, and has been since 2002.
“It showed me how I can actually take what I’ve learned in my education and bring that back home or to other communities and use it to make a positive impact,” explained LaVallie.
In 2023, LaVallie earned her master’s degree in science, technology, and environmental policy following her experience in the Office of Indian Energy-sponsored internship program. The experience offers an invaluable learning opportunity for Native students to get real-world, hands-on experience working on Tribal renewable energy projects.
Official news published at https://www.energy.gov/indianenergy/articles/doe-internship-prepares-native-students-careers-tribal-energy
