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WDTS CCI Institutional Partnership - Nuclear Technology and Radiochemistry Technical Pathway (NTRTP)

The Nuclear Technology and Radiochemistry Technical Pathway (NTRTP) pilot program is a workforce development initiative led by Brookhaven National Laboratory’s (BNL) Office of Workforce Development & Science Education (WDSE), in collaboration with the State University of New York (SUNY) Suffolk County Community College (SCCC) and BNL’s Isotope Research and Production Department. The program is designed to help prepare community college students for technical careers supporting the growing nuclear technology workforce.

NTRTP combines academic instruction with hands-on training at Brookhaven Lab, providing participants with foundational knowledge and practical experience in nuclear technology, radiochemistry, radiation safety, laboratory techniques, and scientific instrumentation. Students apply classroom concepts in authentic laboratory settings while gaining experience with specialized equipment, procedures, and facilities not typically available in a community college environment.

Through laboratory activities, facility tours, career talks, professional development, and direct interaction with BNL scientists and technical professionals, participants also explore how their skills are applied across nuclear science and technology and learn about related education and career pathways at BNL, throughout the DOE national laboratory complex, and in industry.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS).

Program Experience

The program includes a 15-week spring semester that combines weekly classroom instruction at SCCC with laboratory training at BNL, followed by an intensive three-week summer course conducted onsite at BNL. The summer experience builds upon the spring curriculum through increasingly applied technical training, instrumentation and data analysis, exposure to BNL research and production facilities, career exploration, and professional development.

Participants develop skills and experience in areas including:

Nuclear technology and radiochemistry fundamentals
Radiation safety, detection, measurement, and waste management
Laboratory techniques and safe material handling
Chemical separation and analytical methods
Scientific instrumentation, data collection, and analysis
Technical problem-solving and scientific communication
Professional skills and career exploration

Program Benefits

NTRTP provides students with an opportunity to build technical skills, gain hands-on experience at a DOE national laboratory, and explore STEM education and career pathways in nuclear technology, radiochemistry, and related fields. Through laboratory training, professional development, and direct interaction with BNL scientists and technical professionals, participants can strengthen their preparation for future coursework, internships, and employment opportunities at national laboratories and across the broader STEM workforce.

Additionally, participants receive:

A weekly stipend ($130 pp/week for the spring semester; $650 pp/week for the summer course)
Course tuition and books covered by BNL
An SCCC digital badge credential that documents competencies in nuclear technology and radiation handling, which can be shared on resumes, LinkedIn, and other professional platforms to help distinguish skills to prospective employers.
Potential for increased competitiveness in the job market in relevant fields

Eligibility Criteria

Students interested in participating in the Nuclear Technology and Radiochemistry Technical Pathway program must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR; i.e. Green Card holder)
Be at least 18 years of age
Have a current, valid Federal REAL ID license, Enhanced License, or Passport by the application deadline.
Be enrolled at SUNY Suffolk County Community College.
Be pursuing the Electrical Technology track or a program of study in Engineering Science, Chemistry, Physics, or other relevant STEM field.
Have completed appropriate prerequisite coursework, including Chemistry I and Algebra II or equivalent professional experience.
Have an interest in developing technical skills and exploring career opportunities in nuclear technology, radiochemistry, isotope production, radiation science, and/or radiation waste management.
Be available to participate in both the spring semester instructional/laboratory component and the summer session at Brookhaven Lab.
Have active health insureance for the duration of the program.
Have reliable transportation to and from SCCC and BNL for the duration of the program (this is a commuter program; transportation and housing are not provided).

SCCC-enrolled veterans and lifelong learners seeking to advance or transition their careers are encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

Before completing the application process, please identify all STEM courses taken with corresponding grades and overall/STEM GPA within the past five years.

A recommendation letter from a STEM professional (such as STEM course teachers/professors, mentors, academic advisors, or other relevant STEM professionals) is required. Instructions on how to submit the recommendation letter is provided in the application.
Applicants are asked to provide short essays on why they wish to participate in the program, about their motivations and interests in pursuing a STEM field, and career aspirations.

Only completed applications will be considered. Completed applications include the letter of recommendation. Students are notified of their acceptance in the program within three weeks of the application deadline.

Please check back in Fall 2026 for application and deadlines.