Workforce Development Impacts
Fiscal Year 2025
Developing the future workforce
Building a research enterprise as dynamic and far-reaching as Idaho National Laboratory requires sustained, strategic investment in education and strong partnerships with academic institutions across both the region and the nation. INL recognizes that cultivating the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators begins with early engagement and continues through higher education and beyond. To inspire and prepare the future workforce, the lab actively supports STEM education in local and regional K-12 schools, as well as Idaho’s colleges and universities. This includes classroom outreach, teacher resources and student enrichment programs designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills.
INL offers a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities, including internships, fellowships and postdoctoral research positions that allow students and early-career professionals to work alongside world-class researchers on real-world challenges. In addition, INL is committed to providing exceptional educational and professional development experiences for its employees, supporting a culture of innovation and continuous learning. These experiences not only contribute to individual growth but also strengthen the national pipeline of talent in critical energy and national security fields.
Accomplishments and data are from fiscal year 2025.
K-12 students and teachers reached through computer science and cybersecurity workshops
K-12 STEM
INL Future Corps
The Future Corps program hosted 21 students, who participated in an immersive career technical experience, working alongside experienced mentors in facilities around the laboratory to explore careers in trades, crafts and operations.
High school science and engineering internships
In the research track, 28 students conducted research projects under the guidance of mentors from across the laboratory, culminating in a research showcase where students presented on topics including developing a framework for international nuclear energy cooperation, improving project management efficiency at the Materials and Fuels Complex, and how nuclear could power new water desalination facilities.
Computer science and cybersecurity education
INL provides critical computer science education opportunities on topics including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science and robotics, addressing an urgent need for quality learning opportunities in these subjects. INL reached over 6,200 students and teachers with education outreach programs focused on these topics and hosted its first Digital Discovery Night event.
STEM Scholars summer camps
STEM Scholars, an early talent pipeline program, provides free STEM summer camps for students in grades one through 12. The lab instituted a lottery system to better meet the overwhelming demand for these programs, receiving over 1,600 applications. In total, 431 students participated in summer camps focused on engineering and cybersecurity topics.
My Amazing Future
INL’s annual My Amazing Future event expanded to two days in FY-25, welcoming over 300 eighth grade students from middle schools throughout east Idaho for a day of hands-on workshops centered on INL research areas and learning from STEM professionals from every part of the laboratory.
STEM trailer
INL’s STEM trailer is a mobile, pop-up education space that allows the laboratory to bring an immersive educational experience on the road. At major community events like the War Bonnet Rodeo and Atomic Days, thousands of students and community members explored this mobile nuclear science lab packed with interactive exhibits.
Energizing Minds teacher professional development
INL is advocating for the importance of nuclear energy in meeting the nation’s expanding energy needs. In FY-25, INL hosted the first Energizing Minds teacher summit, a new professional development workshop focusing on advanced nuclear energy solutions and artificial intelligence. Teachers met with INL researchers, toured INL facilities and gained valuable skills for teaching students about the innovative energy research happening here in Idaho.
STEM Ambassadors and Special Forces
The STEM Ambassadors and STEM Special Forces programs connect students with the researchers behind INL’s vital mission and provide excellent professional development opportunities for employees. These volunteers are crucial to expanding the laboratory’s impact in the community, serving as important STEM role models and mentors and helping the laboratory engage with over 17,000 students in FY-25.
Secondary Education
Battelle Energy Alliance commits $4.5M to College of Eastern Idaho
Battelle Energy Alliance approved a $4.5 million legacy investment to support the completion of the College of Eastern Idaho’s newest facility, now named Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech in partnership with Frontier Credit Union.
The Future Tech building, a roughly $50 million project launching in fall 2026, was funded through a combination of state money and private funds. On Aug. 21, BEA committed $4.5 million to the project, piggybacking an earlier $1 million donation for construction. Frontier committed $3.5 million. As part of the agreement, the building will contain the BEA Applied STEM Institute, which will act as the hub for K-14 STEM education efforts in the region. Frontier will establish a STEM-focused scholarship program.
Empowering the future workforce
This summer, INL welcomed more than 540 interns from diverse educational backgrounds, including nuclear engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, communications and more. These interns worked alongside experienced professionals to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Six of them shared insights into their projects and the impact of their work.
From classroom to career: Bridging the gap
Meet Grace Parsons and Evalyn Hepworth, two college interns working as INL biomass sample technicians.
They prep materials and run analyses using a variety of high-tech machines to provide key data for innovations that could power the world’s energy future.
Watch the Reel to see how Grace and Evalyn contributed to shaping the future of energy during their time at INL.
Fueling the next generation of innovators
INL recently hosted an intern poster session where nearly 200 interns showcased their accomplishments, highlighting the work they’ve done alongside experts in their chosen fields. The event also included an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements. Watch the Reel to hear from both the winning intern and INL mentor.
Supporting employee education
Battelle Energy Alliance invests in employees by providing the opportunity to further their education and professional development. During 2025, 320 employees were enrolled in degree programs at Boise State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, College of Eastern Idaho, Idaho State University and University of Idaho. This program supports employee growth while investing in Idaho’s colleges and universities.
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