Climate action needs leaders — and that could be you. IonE's Clean Energy Leaders program helps students turn interest into impact through real experiences, real people and real work.
Build foundational knowledge, gain hands-on internship experience and develop a clean energy project. Learn about the program, how Clean Energy Leaders works, explore eligibility and see how to apply.
What is the Clean Energy Leaders Program?
A Leadership Cohort for Climate Action
Clean Energy Leaders is an interdisciplinary cohort program for undergraduates who want to take climate action seriously. Learn how energy systems work – and then apply that knowledge through real internships and action projects. Gain hands-on experience and leadership skills you can use on campus, in communities and beyond.
How The Program Works
Coursework
Coursework gives you the tools to understand the complexity of climate and energy challenges. You’ll explore clean energy systems, climate policy and solutions through a community-focused lens. What you learn here prepares you for your internship and project.
Required Course: PA 4790: Localizing Sustainability: City and State Projects
Cohort Meetings
Cohort meetings bring you together with your peers throughout the year. You’ll connect, hear from guest speakers, take field trips and reflect on your professional development experiences. These meetings create a space to learn collaboratively and build relationships that last beyond the program. Access the current cohort meeting schedule below.
Internship
Your internship is where learning meets practice. You’ll spend the summer working with a community organization, nonprofit, company or research team on clean energy or climate-related work. Many internships are offered through the Sustainability Corps. You can also work with your instructor to find an aligned external opportunity.
Time Commitment: 20 hours a week for 10 weeks
Internship Stipend: Up to $3,500 for students placed in unpaid internships
Action Projects
In the final phase of the program, you’ll design and carry out a leadership project of your own. Working individually or in small teams, you’ll identify a challenge, propose a solution and take action, all with guidance from mentors and program staff. Then present your project in December at the Clean Energy Leaders Closing Celebration. You’re also encouraged to present at the Annual Sustainability Symposium in April.
Fall Leadership Project Stipend: Up to $500 for approved student-led projects (budgeted at $16/hour)
What You’ll Do
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Apply climate and energy knowledge in real-world settings, not just in the classroom
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Understand how communities, governments and organizations approach energy transition
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Design and carry out a leadership project from idea to execution
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Collaborate with partners and communities on complex sustainability issues
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Build professional skills you can use in any career path
From Learning to Leadership
Through coursework, internships and hands-on projects, you’ll grow as a leader while building experience that supports your goals after graduation
The Clean Energy Leaders program helped me become more knowledgeable on the climate and energy challenges that we are facing today. Through the summer internship and course projects, the Clean Energy Leaders program also helped me further my leadership capabilities and develop field-specific skills that helped me secure a job that I was passionate about upon graduation.”
Eligibility & Applying
To be eligible for the Clean Energy Leaders program, you must:
- Be registered full-time in an undergraduate degree program on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus through the following fall semester
- Maintain the University’s satisfactory academic progress toward completion of an undergraduate degree
- Comply with all rules and regulations set forth by the University of Minnesota Student Conduct Code
Are you graduating in May?
Since Clean Energy Leaders includes summer and fall components, you must be enrolled in the fall to participate.
Instead, consider taking PA 4790: Localizing Sustainability: City and State Projects. This spring course offers hands-on sustainability and policy work.
While all eligible students are encouraged to apply, preference may be given to students who:
- Have a significant financial need
- Are first-generation college students
- Have not previously received IonE scholarships or stipends
For financial need considerations:
- Domestic students should have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application application on file
When reviewing your answers to the application questions, we look for:
- A passion for learning the skills and knowledge needed to solve pressing energy transition challenges in Minnesota and globally
- A desire to develop the capacity to lead others in taking climate action
Apply Now
Interested in applying for the 2027 cohort program? Applications for the 2027 cohort program will open mid-September 2026.
Exploring Energy Systems Close-Up
Get a behind-the-scenes look at organizations partnering with IonE to produce the next generation of Clean Energy Leaders
Connexus Energy solar storage and pollinator site
Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)
North Minneapolis Regional Apprenticeship and Training Center
Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Center
2026 Cohort Meeting Schedule
Cohort Orientation
- First Friday of December
- 12–3 p.m.
Spring Semester Course:
- Thursdays, 4–6:45 p.m.
- Cohort Meetings: Every other Friday, 1–2 p.m.
Summer Program
- Internship Period: June 2 – August 8
- Internship Hours: About 20 hours per week (10 weeks)
- Leadership & Professional Development Meetings: Wednesdays, 1–2 p.m.
Fall Semester
- Cohort Meetings: Every other Friday, 1–2 p.m.
Questions?
Have a question about the program? Interested in hosting an intern or research assistant? Contact Aaron Hanson, Energy Program Specialist.