New program aims to grow the nation's next generation of scientists and engineers, starting in high school
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--High school students will work alongside researchers at Oak Ridge, Idaho and Pacific Northwest national laboratories, applying artificial intelligence (AI) to science and engineering problems, through the Battelle-Genesis Mission High School Fellowship that Battelle launched today.
To keep leading the world in science and innovation, the U.S. needs to expand the pipeline for scientists and engineers. Named for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Genesis Mission, an initiative to use AI to accelerate scientific discovery, the Fellowship starts in high school and builds dual competency: skill in AI research methods paired with depth in science and engineering disciplines.
Battelle's announcement was made at the Science: A New Golden Age Summit, hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) on Oct. 8.
Fellows join the summer before 11th grade and continue into the school year, working directly with laboratory scientists. The Fellowship is designed to incorporate advanced coursework for academic credit and a cohort-based training model. Built on high school programs already running at the three Battelle-managed laboratories, the pilot will train at least 20 Fellows. The program aims to scale to more than 350 students a year across the DOE national lab complex.
"A high school junior who spends the summer at Idaho National Laboratory, working next to a researcher on a real problem with AI, goes back to school knowing what this work looks like and knowing he or she can do it," said Wes Hall, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Education at Battelle.
The laboratories will select the first Fellows in May 2027, and the first cohort begins that summer. Battelle Education is coordinating the Fellowship as part of a growing mission to connect learning to future careers.
“The Genesis Mission is not only about building the capabilities to accelerate scientific discovery; it is also about developing the talent that will put those capabilities to work,” said DOE Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil. “We need scientists and engineers who are deeply grounded in their disciplines and fluent in AI. By starting that development in high school and giving students hands-on experience at our National Labs applying AI to real scientific problems, this fellowship is helping build the dual-competency workforce that will shape the next generation of American science.”
Battelle and the participating laboratories are seeking partners in higher education, state agencies, industry and philanthropy to help Fellows move on to undergraduate study. Learn more at education.battelle.org/partner.
About Battelle
Battelle turns science and technology into impact. Combining scientific expertise, technology innovation and operational excellence, the organization solves critical challenges in national security, health, energy, environment and infrastructure. Its capabilities span biology, chemistry, advanced materials and engineering, enabling breakthrough ideas to move from the lab to the real world. Through management of eight U.S. national laboratories and one Canadian national laboratory, and operation of national-scale research programs, Battelle brings together discovery, scale and execution to deliver lasting impact. As a charitable trust, Battelle invests in communities and high-quality STEM programs that help develop the next generation workforce. Learn more at www.battelle.org.
Battelle's Applied Workforce Outlook™ report examines evolving AI trends and the skills needed to meet the demands of tomorrow's economy. Read the report at www.battelle.org/applied-workforce-outlook.
About Battelle Education
Battelle Education is a national non-profit organization launched by Battelle that works with education leaders, school communities, and industry to prepare students for the future of learning and work. Through partnerships, networks, and system-level initiatives, Battelle Education helps advance workforce readiness and opportunity for all students. Learn more at education.battelle.org.
Contacts
Media Contact
For more information contact Katy Delaney at (614) 424-7208 or at delaneyk@battelle.org or Amanda Ensinger at (614) 424-4087 or ensinger@battelle.org
