NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries Scholarships

Name: NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries Scholarships

Award Amount: Varies by program and award (scholarships and related funding opportunities may differ in scope and amount)

Information And Eligibility:
The NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries Scholarships are part of a broader suite of education funding opportunities supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. While specific scholarship amounts and individual program details vary, these opportunities share a common goal: to support students pursuing academic and research paths related to ocean science, marine biology, coastal resource management, maritime archaeology, environmental stewardship, and NOAA’s mission-related fields. On the primary NOAA Sanctuaries scholarship page, the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is featured as a flagship opportunity that recognizes and supports graduate-level students conducting independent research in oceanographic, marine biological, and maritime archaeology disciplines.

In addition to the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship, NOAA offers a range of undergraduate and graduate scholarships, internships, fellowships, and postdoctoral opportunities across NOAA programs. These opportunities are intended to help students build academic credentials, engage in practical research and professional development, and prepare for careers in environmental science, technology, policy, and conservation sectors. Many programs are competitive and based on academic merit, relevance to NOAA’s mission, letters of recommendation, and research or career goals.

One of the most prominent opportunities available across NOAA—including those highlighted through the Sanctuaries education portal—is the **Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program**, which provides substantial academic support for undergraduates studying science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related areas that contribute to NOAA’s mission. This program includes two years of academic funding and a paid summer internship at a NOAA facility, offering a blend of financial support and hands-on professional experience.

NOAA’s scholarship landscape reflects the agency’s commitment to fostering a diverse, skilled workforce dedicated to ocean conservation, climate science, marine research, and public service. Many scholarships encourage participation from students who intend to pursue careers that align with NOAA’s mission, including roles in environmental monitoring, coastal management, research, and education.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Eligibility varies by specific scholarship program under the NOAA umbrella (e.g., Dr. Nancy Foster, Hollings, EPP Undergraduate Scholarships).
• Most require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
• Applicants typically must be enrolled or accepted in accredited undergraduate or graduate programs related to NOAA mission fields.
• Academic performance standards (e.g., minimum GPA) and program-specific criteria (such as major, year of study, or research focus) apply depending on the scholarship.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application submitted through NOAA’s scholarship application portal or program-specific site.
• Official academic transcripts (for scholarship programs requiring GPA verification).
• Personal statement or essays detailing career objectives, research plans, and alignment with NOAA’s mission (varies by scholarship).
• Letters of recommendation when required.

Additional Details:

• The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship focuses on graduate research and may include significant stipend support and program collaboration components.
• The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship provides academic awards and a 10-week summer internship at a NOAA facility for undergraduates.
• Other NOAA scholarship opportunities (including the Educational Partnership Program Undergraduate Scholarships and various NOAA-sponsored fellowships) may also be listed through NOAA’s Office of Education.

Deadline: Varies by scholarship program (e.g., Hollings typically opens in September with deadlines in January; Dr. Nancy Foster deadlines vary by cycle)

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