Recognizing that not every high school graduate plans on attending college, CIPA and its member companies have teamed up on an innovative internship program called the CIPA Energy Academy Program.

Investing in our future workforce

California Independent Petroleum Association (CIPA) and its member companies invest in a program to prepare students for careers in energy through internships. The successful program, which uniquely prioritizes recent high school graduates who may consider transitioning directly to the workforce, began in the summer of 2016.

CIPA, in collaboration with energy companies and school districts, implemented a first-of-its kind program that placed students in a paid position to gain work experience and learn science, technology, engineering, and math (S.T.E.M.) skills. In addition to field work, the interns participate in group training, develop business skills, and benefit from interactions with mentors. Some interns are housed in dormitories, so they also learn life skills and experience living in a college-like setting.

Candidates are selected primarily from Kern, Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Barbara Counties. The selection process is rigorous, requiring letters of recommendation and two short essays, as well as a panel interview conducted by CIPA and member company representatives.

The program’s 2025 application deadline is Friday, April 18, 2025. The internship will run from June 16 to July 25, 2025.

To apply for the 2025 Energy Academy Program, please download and complete the application here.

Students interested in learning more can find a flyer here.

Schools interested in participating in the program may learn more by clicking here.

To learn more about becoming a host company or sponsoring the program, click here.

For more information, contact Laura Wilkin at lwilkin@cipa.org.