For over 60 years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has provided training opportunities for scientists, engineers, and technical professionals to address grand challenges in energy, national security, and the environment. The Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) advances this responsibility through a comprehensive suite of workforce development programs that prepare highly skilled and diverse DOE workforce of tomorrow. We bring opportunities and access to tomorrow’s leading science and technology experts and to the educators teaching them.

DOE’s 17 national laboratories provide an unparallel opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce development, offering access to world leading expertise, unique scientific user facilities and instrumentation, and multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research teams and programs limited or unavailable in universities or industry.

The scientific discovery and innovations achieved through DOE national laboratories and facilities impact everyday life for people throughout our nation and world and shape our future. In order to continue this important work, we bring opportunities and access to students and educators for preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technical professionals.

The WDTS Differential

WDTS delivers high-quality programs that are managed with rigorous, evidence-based evaluation and best practices among the STEM community. With a robust online support system and suite of accessible resources, we strategically develop sustainable partnerships that reach a broad and diverse range of applicants for WDTS programs. These programs stand out among STEM training opportunities for offering unparalleled access to world-leading scientific expertise and state-of-the-art scientific facilities, capabilities and resources at the DOE National Laboratories.

Student researchers don’t just observe — they train alongside world-class scientists and engineers solving today’s critical energy, environment, and national security challenges. Faculty enhance their research by collaborating with leading DOE researchers on projects of mutual interest, and they expand their impact for students through pedagogical and learning projects designed to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

With core programs at pre-college, postsecondary, and graduate levels, WDTS annually engages thousands of students and educators from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia. WDTS is continually innovating and adding new initiatives to enhance pathways to STEM for all education levels.

Learn More About Our Six Core Programs

Faculty and Undergraduate Students

Impacting students at a pivotal point in their education, WDTS undergraduate student programs strive to transform STEM learning into STEM careers. Working alongside researchers at the DOE national labs, student interns are not only able to imagine themselves as scientists — they become scientists. Visiting faculty expand their research horizons and invigorate their STEM teaching through new collaborations.

Graduate Students

Graduate students can further advance their doctoral thesis research by accessing cutting-edge instrumentation and expertise at DOE national laboratories. Students become scientists in residence, collaborating with national lab scientists and engineers to answer their most challenging research questions and establishing a one-of-a-kind network for their future careers.  

STEM K-12 Educators and Students

Developing the next generation of scientific and technological leaders begins before college. Recognizing this, WDTS strives to excite young learners to engage with science and math topics. STEM educators can gain opportunities to influence the national direction of STEM and bring that experience back to their home institution through premier fellowships. Only by inspiring our K-12 learners can our nation meet its STEM workforce needs of the future.