NOAA fosters the next generation of scientists and engineers
The Office of Education hosted the orientation on May 29-June 1, 2012, to welcome these 130 NOAA scholarship recipients from three programs: the Ernest F. Hollings and Educational Partnership Program (EPP) Undergraduate Scholarship Programs and the Graduate Sciences Program.
Ernest F. Hollings and Educational Partnership Program (EPP) Undergraduate Scholars and Graduate Sciences Scholars at NOAA orientation in Silver Spring, MD. (Image credit: NOAA)
Reflecting the importance NOAA places on fostering the next generation of mission-critical scientists and engineers, speakers included Dr. Katherine Sullivan, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation & Prediction/Deputy Administrator and Acting Chief Scientist. Dr. Sullivan’s spirited address to the students encouraged them to take every advantage of their internships at NOAA. As part of this comprehensive orientation, students also went on field trips to NOAA laboratories and operational facilities in the metropolitan area and attended NOAA career fairs, getting to speak one-on-one with many NOAA employees.
The undergraduate scholars not only receive significant financial support from NOAA for completing their education, they also receive outstanding opportunities for hands-on internships nearly anywhere in NOAA. They work side-by-side with NOAA scientists and managers, under the guidance of a NOAA mentor; all will return to Silver Spring in August 2013 to present a summary of their research at a symposium.
The graduate scholars receive two (master's candidates) to four years (doctoral students) of NOAA-related research and training opportunities and financial support. Nearly all will become full time NOAA employees once they have completed their graduate degrees.
