| Program Name: | Clean Energy Internship Program |
| Program Sponsor: | NYSERDA |
| Program Type: | Workforce Training; Rebate/Incentives |
| Technology: | Alternative Energy Generation/ Renewables; Energy Efficiency/ Demand Response; Energy Storage; Transportation |
| Fuel: | N/A |
| Eligibility: | Private for-profit entities, private not-for-profit organizations, or local municipalities |
| Cost: | Cost share varies by company and position |
Description
The Clean Energy Internship program, administered by NYSERDA, offers businesses in the energy efficiency, clean technology, and renewable energy sectors the opportunity to hire paid interns. The program aims to assist these businesses in cultivating a skilled workforce, fostering technological advancements, and meeting the demands of evolving building systems.
The program is particularly beneficial for businesses managing a workforce with imminent retirements, having trouble finding qualified candidates in the energy sector, investing in new equipment or technologies, or looking to support job creation in New York’s growing clean energy economy.
Eligibility
To qualify for the program, businesses must be private for-profit entities, private not-for-profit organizations, or local municipalities. They should have a formal office in New York State, be registered to do business there, and have at least two full-time employees. The two-employee minimum requirement is waived for certain businesses, such as New York State registered minority-owned, women-owned, and/or service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
Eligible businesses must provide one or more energy services related to energy efficiency, renewable electric power generation, grid modernization and energy storage, alternative transportation, or renewable fuels. Clean energy businesses, defined as those with dedicated energy efficiency or clean technology positions, including start-ups or labor management organizations, are encouraged to apply.
How the Program Works
The program covers up to 90% of intern wages, based on business size. It also provides access to a directory of local intern candidates and supports a variety of intern roles, including engineering, installation, technical sales, marketing, and research, so long as the intern’s activities are connected to clean energy work.
Businesses can apply for the Clean Energy Internship program through a single application on the NYSERDA Portal. Interns can be selected either from the business’s pool or from the program’s directory. Once approved, businesses host the interns, providing meaningful clean energy industry experience. Reimbursement for intern wages is processed upon submission of intern payroll documentation.
How to Apply
Interested businesses can start by reading the full funding opportunity and completing the application. The application requires various business details, including legal name, address, website, Federal Employer ID Number, number of full-time W-2 employees, and information about existing NYSERDA partnership agreements or contracts. A brief description of the internship(s) and their connection to clean energy is also required.
For detailed guidance on the program elements and application process, businesses can refer to the program details webpage and the Clean Energy Internship Program: Business User Guides.
Contact Information
For questions about the program or additional information, businesses can contact CleanEnergyInternship@nyserda.ny.gov.