Undergraduate Scholars Program

Undergraduate Scholars gather after presenting their research projects.

The goal of the Undergraduate Scholars Program is to increase the number of students who undertake course work and graduate with degrees in targeted academic fields integral to NOAA's mission. This program targets students who have completed their sophomore year, attending minority serving institutions (MSIs), and have recently declared, or about to declare a major in atmospheric, oceanic, or environmental disciplines that support these sciences.

The Undergraduate Scholarship Program provides an opportunity for rising junior and senior students to study disciplines relating to the NOAA's mission. Students attending MSIs (Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaskan-Native Serving Institutions, and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions) receive appointments to approved NOAA offices and sites upon acceptance to the program.

Program Benefits

Undergraduate Scholar Alyssa Wilson (Florida A&M University) studied educationa and outreach efforts in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Summer Internships -- Scholars select and are placed at NOAA offices and sites for 10-week paid summer internships.

Scholarships -- Scholars will receive a scholarship of $650/week during the summer internship periods.

Travel -- Scholars' travel costs to and from the NOAA sites will be covered.

Tuition/Fee Assistance -- A maximum of $4,000 per academic year is provided to each scholar to cover the cost of actual tuition and fees and other allowable expenses approved by the program sponsor.

Housing Subsidy -- Students who do not live at home during the summer internship periods will receive additional funding.

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Eligibility Requirements

Undergraduate scholars meet with the NOAA Administrator, Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher.

Applicants must be enrolled full-time at a Minority Serving Institution

Applicants must have completed their sophomore or junior class requirements prior to beginning an appointment.
Applicants must be pursuing studies in one of the following subject areas: atmospheric science, biology, cartography, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, geodesy, geography, marine science, mathematics, meteorology, physical science, photogrammetry, or physics.
Cumulative and semester/quarter GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in all completed undergraduate courses and in the major field of studyis required.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Participants are required to provide proof of coverage under a health insurance plan prior to beginning an appointment.

Important Dates

October	Vacancy notice opens to apply to the program.
January	Vacancy notice closes.
February - March	Successful applicants notified of their selection.
May - June	Orientation at NOAA Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD.
June- August	Internship in Silver Spring, MD.
August	Scholars present their research topics to NOAA scientific community.

For more information, contact Chantell Haskins at 301-713-9437 x125 or e-mail: Chantell.Haskins@noaa.gov

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