b'Directors MessageIt has been a privilege tointernship program. The lab continue to lead INLs Universitytypically welcomes hundreds Partnerships Directorate. Whileof students to eastern Idaho for the COVID-19 pandemic madeinternships, but it was clear that 2020 a unique and challengingthis traditional arrangement year, INLs Universitywould not be an option this Partnerships team rose to theyear. We did what INL does occasion. Our team developedbest: we tackled the question and implemented a lot of newhead-on and we innovated. Michelle Thiel Binghamsolutions in a short period ofIn FY-20, most INL internships MBA, CCP University time to ensure the laboratorywere completed virtually, with Partnerships director could offer opportunities tostudents telecommuting from interns, INL graduate fellows,over 30 states. Some, whose postdoctoral researchers,work required access to our joint appointees andparticular lab space, were able employee education programto do so with safety as a top Despite theparticipants. We have a greatconcern. Despite the challenges deal to be proud of, and whileof the pandemic, we were able challenges ofthis report offers a snapshot ofto maintain the same number what happened this year, weof interns (469) as last year and the pandemic,have many more great storiescontinue offering meaningful to tell. educational opportunities to a we were ableAs INLs business volumediverse cohort of students while continued to grow in 2020,prioritizing the safety of INL to maintainand the labs workforceemployees and our community. eclipsed 5,000 employees,Our example led the way, the sameUniversity Partnerships onceproviding a model for other again played a key role byDepartment of Energy national number ofhandling over 45% of the labslabs to continue their own overall hiring for the year.internship programs.interns (469)In the spring, as it became clearOf course, our internship program is not our only area as last year. that the pandemic was notfor celebration. Postdoctoral going to fade away quickly andresearchers also maintained uncertainties abounded, INLthe same level of participation was faced with many difficultas in FY-19. And despite the questions. One that quicklychallenges of the pandemic, came to the forefront in earlymany of our programs grew. spring was what to do with ourThe addition of a new cohort i University Partnerships'