BRIEF: DOE Launches TALENT Program with National Labs to Expand Tribal Energy Technology, Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy announced a new program to support tribal workers pursuing energy career pathways and addressing pressing energy issues in their communities.

The Tribal Advancement through Laboratory Experience, Networking, and Training program, known as TALENT, will partner with three DOE national laboratories: Sandia National Laboratories, National Laboratory of the Rockies, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

The initiative will host two classes of participants at national research facilities across the country. One class will focus on tribal staff and student interns, while the other will be designated for tribal college and university faculty fellows.

"The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy is committed to equipping and empowering the next generation of Tribal energy leaders with the skills they need to support their communities, drive economic growth, and unleash American energy dominance," said Eric Mahroum, director of the DOE Office of Indian Energy. "Programs like TALENT will help shape a workforce that can advance Tribal energy development, strengthen economic independence, and deliver lasting results."

The partnership aims to grow the tribal energy workforce, foster economic development, and advance tribal energy sovereignty and self-determination.

By leveraging the national laboratories' facilities and expertise, participants will gain hands-on experience in a cohort setting focused on critical energy challenges. 

Through the initiative, tribal staff, students, and faculty fellows will directly exchange knowledge and skills at national labs. Officials noted this collaboration will help native communities deliver affordable, reliable, and secure energy by expanding the existing pipeline of local energy workers and leaders.

Applications for the TALENT program close Jan. 10, 2027. Access the application here.