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Paid Summer Research Intern

December 23, 2025

Are you a student looking to apply your academic training to substantive, real-world research challenges?  Are you seeking an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience while building valuable professional connections? Then join us for an exciting paid internship program designed to support your growth through applied research and networking opportunities.  

Each summer, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) offers an intensive 8-week internship program specifically designed for a small cohort of motivated students. In addition to research experience, the ACEEE internship program emphasizes development through a series of networking events, professional talks, and mentorship helping interns build the critical skills and connections needed for long-term career growth.

About ACEEE

ACEEE is a leading national nonprofit organization committed to driving transformative policy and program innovations that build a vibrant, equitable, and energy-efficient economy. Our work focuses on reducing energy consumption, protecting the environment, and improving the health and well-being of communities nationwide. ACEEE’s collaborative and fast-paced culture fosters professional growth and encourages innovation, while emphasizing equity, inclusion, and diversity in all aspects of our work.

If you’re interested in contributing to impactful research-driven solutions, to advance energy efficiency policies, we would encourage you to apply.  

Position overview

ACEEE’s research interns will be involved in data collection, literature reviews, analysis, and communications to support ACEEE’s work related to advancing energy efficiency policies and programs at the city, state, and/or utility level. The research interns will also collaborate with technical teams on topics such as transportation, buildings, and industry.

ACEEE’s internship program also offers significant professional development and opportunities for interns to engage with stakeholders in the energy efficiency field. Additionally, our interns are paired with a staff mentor to help them learn the ropes of both the organization and the world of energy policy. We provide many opportunities to network and socialize, making for a fun and fulfilling summer experience. 

Our interns have the option of joining us either in-person in our Washington, D.C. office, or remotely. Remote interns must be based in the United States.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Highly analytical and attentive to details. The intern will conduct research dealing with complex quantitative and qualitative data; good spreadsheet analysis skills are essential.
  • Excellent writing and presentation skills. The intern will contribute to research reports, white papers, fact sheets, blog posts, webinars, and presentations.
  • Organizational and project coordination skills. The position requires skills in coordinating work on several projects. The intern should also be able to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Highly motivated, self-starter. The intern must show initiative and be able to work independently.

 

Job Requirements 

Required

  • Current student or recent graduate
  • Demonstrated passion for clean energy and environmental issues

Salary Range

  • Undergraduate student: $18.00/per hour
  • Recent college graduate with BA/BS: $21.00 /per hour
  • Recent graduate with MA or similar degree: $24.00/per hour

Start Date

  • At the end of May/early June 2026

How to apply

  • Use the link below to apply through the Paylocity Recruitment portal. Please include a cover letter, a resume and (1 page) writing sample. We do not accept phone calls.  

Apply Here

ACEEE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination with regard to race, sex, color, age, religion, creed, class, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability. ACEEE is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in its organization and encourages applicants with diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply.

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