The EPP Graduate Fellowship Program is designed to serve as a STEM future workforce pipeline for highly competitive candidates entering NOAA-mission related careers. Eligible applicants are currently supported at EPP Cooperative Science Centers and pursuing graduate degrees in a discipline aligned with NOAA’s mission. During a year-long experiential opportunity at a NOAA facility, fellows complete meaningful collaborative research to advance the NOAA mission and their thesis or dissertation, learn about the research and operations of NOAA, and grow their professional skills and network.  

While in-residence at NOAA, the fellows work under the guidance of NOAA mentors and their academic institution advisors. In addition to their disciplinary specialty, fellows must incorporate human dimensions into their research, including social science, behavioral science, communications, or economics. Fellows also complete relevant professional development training during their year-long experience.

Award Package

Support for fellows is based on the degree being pursued. In 2024, the award package for Master’s and Doctoral students was as follows: 

Eligibility

The EPP Graduate Fellowship Program is open to graduate students who are enrolled full-time and supported by one of NOAA’s EPP Cooperative Science Centers. They must be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in a STEM discipline that aligns with NOAA’s mission.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a minimum 3.5 cumulative G.P.A. for the duration of the fellowship.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Have an undergraduate degree in a STEM field.
• Be enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctoral program and matriculating in a STEM discipline that directly aligns with the NOAA mission.
• Have completed one academic term of graduate coursework.

How to apply

EPP will announce an annual call for applications and anticipates supporting up to six fellows annually. Graduate students enrolled at Cooperative Science Center schools should reach out to their education lead and director to express interest in the program. Cooperative Science Center staff will work with students to prepare application packages and adhere to timelines. Application packages are then submitted to NOAA by the EPP Center Directors.

The application package must include:

1. Completed application.
2. Full official transcript that includes grades up to the previous academic term.
3. Supplemental documents, including:
   • Personal statement (three pages maximum). In the statement, the applicant should: 
     1.  Describe their academic and professional goals and the alignment of those goals with NOAA’s mission. 
     2. Identify the NOAA line office that they are interested in. 
     3. Identify NOAA subject matter experts who may serve as a NOAA mentor.
   • A one-year program plan (five pages maximum). It should include: 
     1. Objectives.
     2. Anticipated outcomes.
     3. Methodology.
     4. Timeline (5 pages maximum).
   • A total of 3 letters of recommendation, one each from:
     1. The Center Director.
     2. The student’s academic advisor.
     3. The Center Distinguished Scientist.
   • A letter of support from the proposed NOAA mentor.

Former recipients

The EPP Graduate Fellowship program began in 2021 and has awarded nine graduate fellowships.