2026 Shultz Energy Fellowships: California Energy Commission, Energy Research & Development Division (ERDD)
Regional-, state-, and city-level efforts are essential in our fight against climate change, especially in the field of energy. Stanford University is committed to helping by integrating its students into energy and climate ecosystems in the West through the Shultz Energy Fellowships program, an energy-related summer fellowship program for undergraduate and graduate students.
Named in honor of former Secretary of State George P. Shultz, one of the most widely admired American public servants of the past half-century, the program offers a suite of paid, energy-related public service fellowships for Stanford students in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah during the summer.
The fellowship runs from Monday, June 22, 2026 to Friday, August 28, 2026.
Organization/Agency mission or role in state government
As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC) plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future—one that is clean, modern, and ensures the fourth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. Combating climate change is fundamental to maintaining California’s future. The Energy Commission plays a key role in implementing and crafting policies and programs to create a low-carbon economy. For more information, visit: https://www.energy.ca.gov/about/core-responsibility-fact-sheets/about-california-energy-commission
Potential Projects
The CEC R&D Division welcomes a discussion with the Fellow on areas of interest to identify the best-fit focus area(s). Specific research areas include: electrification of buildings, transportation, and industry; renewable energy and fuels; energy storage; electric grid modernization; gas system decommissioning; and carbon management. Within the research area(s) of interest, a wide range of energy technology, market, and policy analyses and stakeholder engagement would be valuable to the division to support the CEC's grantmaking activities, including investment planning and R&D project implementation.
Work Environment
This is a hybrid opportunity.
Potential Mentors
Depending on the Fellow's interest areas, potential mentors include: Kevin Uy, Manager of Energy Supply; Rey Gonzalez, Manager of Transportation and Energy Systems; Anthony Ng, Manager of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Rebecca Aviles, Manager of Strategic Analysis and Engagement; Cody Taylor, Manager of Industry and Carbon Management.
Desired Skills
Experience or interest in one or more of the following areas: energy technology, market, and policy analysis; stakeholder engagement; electrification of buildings, transportation, and industry; renewable energy and fuels; energy storage; electric grid modernization; gas system decommissioning; and carbon management.
All Shultz Fellows must be enrolled in the spring quarter before their fellowship.
All Shultz Fellows must take a one-unit spring workshop course, 'Energy Policy in California and the West' that will provide an in-depth analysis of the role of California state agencies, the Western Interstate Energy Board, and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council in driving energy policy development, technology innovation, and market structures. Course number is CEE 263G / POLISCI 73 / PUBLPOL 73 / ENERGY 73. Schedule: Wednesdays from 1:30 pm - 2:50 pm.
