New York State Clean Energy Internship Grant Program

The New York State Clean Energy Internship Program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a state agency focused on advancing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and workforce development across New York. This program is designed as a workforce pipeline initiative that connects clean energy employers with students, recent graduates, and eligible individuals seeking experience in the clean energy sector. By subsidizing internship wages, the program lowers hiring barriers for employers while expanding access to career pathways in energy efficiency, renewable energy, grid modernization, and related fields. The primary purpose of the program is to strengthen the clean energy workforce by supporting meaningful, paid internship opportunities. These internships must provide experiential learning aligned with clean energy technologies and business practices, enabling participants to gain practical skills and industry exposure. The program is structured to ensure that internships are substantive and educational, rather than administrative or unrelated roles, and must introduce participants to real career opportunities in the clean energy sector. Funding is provided in the form of wage reimbursement to eligible employers rather than direct grants to individuals. NYSERDA offers reimbursement on a sliding scale based on employer size, covering up to ninety percent of intern wages for smaller employers and seventy five percent for larger organizations. Eligible wage reimbursement is capped based on hourly limits, and funding is only available for new internship positions where the intern has not previously been employed by the organization. Employers must pay interns upfront and then request reimbursement, ensuring accountability and proper payroll documentation. Eligibility for participation is defined for both employers and interns. Employers must be clean energy businesses, organizations, or municipalities with a physical presence in New York State and must meet specific operational and compliance requirements, including good standing with state labor regulations. Eligible interns include individuals currently enrolled in or recently graduated from qualifying academic programs, as well as certain New York residents meeting specific residency or priority population criteria. Internships must occur within New York State and adhere to defined duration and compensation guidelines. The application process involves multiple steps. Employers must first apply and be approved as eligible participants through an online system, after which they may recruit and select interns. Intern candidates must also submit applications, including documentation such as resumes, cover letters, and proof of eligibility. Once both employer and intern are approved, the employer submits a detailed internship application including job descriptions, offer letters, and any remote work plans. NYSERDA reviews and approves each internship before funding is reserved. Applications are accepted on a continuous, first come first served basis until program funds are exhausted or until the stated deadline of August 31, 2026. Funding availability is limited to a total pool of up to two million dollars, and participation may be capped based on demand and program rules. Employers may submit reimbursement requests periodically or at the conclusion of the internship, with final documentation required within a specified timeframe after internship completion. Evaluation of applications focuses on eligibility compliance, the quality and relevance of internship roles, and adherence to program requirements. NYSERDA maintains discretion in approving employers, interns, and individual internship placements. The program also includes strict documentation, reporting, and compliance requirements to ensure proper use of public funds. For assistance, applicants may contact designated program representatives via phone or email, and all submissions must be completed through the official online portal.