EPP Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Announcement: EPP will not offer undergraduate scholarships for the class of 2025.

The Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (USP) will not be hosting a class of scholars for the 2025 academic year. We recognize the hard work applicants put into their applications and preparing for interviews and regrets any negative impact caused by this change. 

Why will there not be awards in 2025?

Due to budget uncertainty, the Office of Education is not able to fund an EPP class of 2025. 

If I applied to both the Hollings and EPP undergraduate scholarships, will I still be considered for Hollings?

The Hollings Scholarship is funded through a different mechanism and will award scholarships in 2025. The Hollings and EPP undergraduate scholarships use a shared application process. All students who applied for the Hollings program will still be considered for it. Hollings scholarship recipients will be notified by e-mail during the first week of April. Applicants may review the status of their application by accessing their online application account.

Are past or future EPP USP classes impacted?

This action only impacts the EPP USP 2025 application season. It does not impact the EPP USP class of 2024. Decisions about future classes of EPP USP will depend on future funding availability.

Are scholars from the class of 2024 still conducting internships this summer?

Yes. EPP USP scholars from 2024 are funded through this fiscal year and are proceeding with their internships during the summer of 2025.

The EPP and Hollings undergraduate scholarships application period is now closed. Applications are open annually from September through January.

The EPP Undergraduate Scholarship Program (USP) supports two years of undergraduate study for rising junior undergraduate students at accredited minority serving institutions who are majoring in fields that directly support NOAA's mission, including STEM and social sciences. The award includes a stipend for junior and senior academic years, two paid internships at NOAA facilities, and conference participation. Scholars also benefit from professional development and networking opportunities.

The program has two main objectives:

  1.  To enhance the pipeline of talented high-quality students in STEM for the future U.S. workforce. 
  2. To provide opportunities for scholars to become familiar with NOAA’s research and locations across the U.S. and continue their education in NOAA mission-related fields of study.

EPP undergraduate scholars advance their education while contributing to NOAA’s mission

  • 75% of USP alumni attend graduate school.
  • Scholars grow professional and personal networks during their internships.
  • Scholars learn and apply new technical and professional skills in a real-world setting.
  • USP internships help scholars clarify their career goals and direction.
  • Scholars work alongside world-class NOAA scientists and gain firsthand knowledge of NOAA’s work and mission.
  • Scholars contribute to NOAA’s mission of science, service, and stewardship through their NOAA research, academic research, and service projects.
  • Scholars advance ongoing and new NOAA research projects.
  • Scholars share NOAA research at national professional conferences.

About the award

  • Students receive awards of up to $45,000 in support (including travel and conference participation) during their junior and senior years.
  • Students complete two paid NOAA internships and receive a stipend and housing allowance:
    • First summer of the award includes an 11-week paid internship and professional development training at NOAA in Silver Spring, Maryland, between May and July. The first two weeks of the internship consist of a two-week orientation program. 
    • Second summer of the award includes a 10-week paid internship at any NOAA facility across the country. 
  • During the academic year, students conduct research and a service project at their institution.
  • At the end of both summer internships, students present the results of their projects at the Science and Education Symposium in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals. 
  • Be currently enrolled as one of the following:
    •  A full-time 2nd-year student in a four-year academic program.
    • Transferring from a two-year to a four-year institution.
    • A 3rd-year student in a five-year program.
  • Be studying a discipline related to NOAA's programs and mission at an accredited minority serving institution* as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Earn and maintain a minimum 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Read more at Prospective EPP undergraduate scholars and in FAQs for prospective EPP undergraduate scholars.

Apply and contact information

To apply for an EPP Undergraduate Scholarship, visit the NOAA undergraduate scholarship application. The EPP and Hollings Scholarships share a common application. This application is available annually from September through January. For inquiries, please contact: EPP.USP@noaa.gov.

*To determine whether your institution meets this eligibility requirement, your institution’s Office of Student Affairs is a good place to start.