NOAA welcomes the 2020 undergraduate scholars

“NOAA welcomes the 2020 class of outstanding scholars", said Louisa Koch, Director of NOAA Education. "We are very proud to support them with our distinguished undergraduate scholarships. These students bring new skills and abilities that will help us better understand our changing world. We look forward to working with them to take full advantage of this opportunity as we work together to overcome the disruptions caused by COVID-19."

This year, 782 applications were submitted for these two competitive scholarships. The selected applicants of both NOAA undergraduate scholarship programs come from a total of 97 different campuses in 39 U.S. states, as well as Puerto Rico.

The 2020 EPP/MSI undergraduate scholars will start orientation in a virtual setting on May 18, and will begin their first internships on June 1, 2020. Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, all internships in 2020 will be conducted virtually. The Hollings undergraduate scholars will participate in orientation in a virtual setting from May 26-28, 2020, and will complete their internships during the summer of 2021. During orientation, scholars will hear Line and Staff Office presentations, learn about past and present internship opportunities, connect with their peers, and engage with scholarship program staff to learn about their next two years as a NOAA undergraduate scholar.

The scholarship application period for the class of 2021 opens on September 1, 2020, and will close on January 31, 2021.

Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship

The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship was established in 2005 in honor of Senator Ernest F. Hollings, who was well known for supporting ocean policy and conservation. Senator Hollings passed away in 2019. The Hollings Scholarship includes a two-year academic award of $9,500 per year, and a 10-week, full-time, paid summer internship opportunity at any NOAA facility nationwide. Scholars also receive funding to present their NOAA research projects at two national scientific conferences. Students apply in their second year of undergraduate study and each must be a full-time undergraduate majoring in a NOAA mission field such as oceanic, environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing technology, physical sciences, social sciences, and teacher education.

José E. Serrano Educational Partnership Program Undergraduate Scholarship

The Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI) was established in 2000 to support the education of postsecondary students pursuing degrees that directly support NOAA’s mission. In 2019, Congress renamed the program as the José E. Serrano Educational Partnership Program in honor of Congressman Serrano. The EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship includes a two-year academic award of $9,500 per year, and two summer internship opportunities. Scholars also receive funds to present the results of their NOAA research projects at two national conferences. Students must attend a minority serving institution, have and maintain a 3.2 or higher GPA and a declared major in a NOAA-mission related discipline including, but not limited to, oceanic, environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing technology, physical sciences, including physics, geography and hydrology as well as social sciences.

Contact: NOAA Office of Education
1315 East West Hwy SSMC 3 / Rm 10734
Silver Spring, MD 20910

For the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship, please email studentscholarshipprograms@noaa.gov

For the Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions Undergraduate Scholarship, please email epp.usp@noaa.gov