The goals of the program are to enable students who are interested in science and technology to perform research which will:

• Broaden their understanding of the way science works.
• Provide experience with a national laboratory’s unique facilities and equipment.
• Provide mentoring relationships with expert staff.
• Encourage and aid the pursuit of studies and careers in areas of interest to the DOE/ORNL mission.
• Develop an appreciation for the purpose and value of the DOE national laboratory system.
• Contribute to the scientific literacy of the U.S. and the future support of research.
• Provide enrichment of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology academic education.
• Contribute to the progress of ORNL research.
• Promote university interactions and collaborations with ORNL.
• Promote diversity in the population of those pursuing technical careers.