NOAA’s Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship is open for the 2027 cycle and is aimed at college sophomores in science and fields related to the agency’s mission. It is not a general scholarship for every high-school graduate: it combines education funding with a paid 10-week internship and research or applied work at NOAA. The deadline is January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The NOAA profile brings together the application, contacts, and official preparation resources.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full time at an accredited institution in the United States or its territories, have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and pursue a major connected to NOAA’s mission. For the 2027 cycle, the anticipated bachelor’s graduation date must fall between December 2028 and August 2029. This usually fits a sophomore in a four-year degree, a third-year student in a five-year program, or a community-college student applying to transfer to a four-year institution. Transfer applicants must include proof of their four-year college application and, if selected, prove acceptance by September 15.
The advertised package can total up to $40,000: $9,500 per year for junior and senior years, a paid 10-week summer internship, and funds to travel to and present work at two national scientific conferences. This is not an unrestricted $40,000 cash payment: academic funding supports education costs, and the summer opportunity involves full-time work for NOAA. Internship assignments may be at facilities around the country, so applicants should consider placement, relocation, and their academic calendar.
The online application calls for essay answers, transcripts from every institution attended, an official document showing the expected graduation date, and two references. At least one reference must be academic, such as a professor who taught the applicant at the undergraduate level. The second may also be academic or may come from someone familiar with the applicant’s experience or interest related to NOAA. Family members, friends, and former high-school teachers are not accepted. NOAA’s preparation guide recommends contacting references early; they must submit their forms by the same application deadline.
For a strong application, NOAA asks students to describe their interests, research experience, and academic or community activities concretely. Essays are not judged solely on scientific knowledge: they should explain the student’s interest in NOAA’s mission and how the opportunity fits personal, academic, and career goals. Before submitting, confirm that the major supports NOAA’s work, that both references received their links, and that documents show the correct graduation date. NOAA says it will not consider late applications or supporting materials.
Hollings undergraduate scholarship at-a-glance — NOAA Office of Education.
Prospective scholars — NOAA Office of Education.
Frequently asked questions for applicants — NOAA Office of Education.
Informational guide based on official sources checked on October 12, 2026. Programs, awards, deadlines, and eligibility may change; confirm the current cycle on the official site before submitting information.
If your expected graduation falls in the 2028–29 window and your major relates to NOAA, confirm each requirement and request references now: supporting materials must also arrive by January 31.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
NOAA Office of Education — Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
U.S. citizens in the second year of a four-year degree, third year of a five-year program, or community-college students applying to transfer; expected graduation between December 2028 and August 2029, at least a 3.0 GPA, and a major related to NOAA’s mission. The package can total up to $40,000 through $9,500 per year for two years, a 10-week summer internship, and conference support.
Federal undergraduate scholarship and paid internship for NOAA-related fields
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
NOAA Office of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
NOAA Office of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
NOAA Office of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
NOAA Office of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of NOAA Office of Education — Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship ↗
Primary source
NOAA Office of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of NOAA Office of Education — Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship ↗
Primary source
NOAA Office of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of NOAA Office of Education — Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship ↗
Primary source
NOAA Office of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.