NOAA Office of Education — Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
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.
About NOAA Office of Education — Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
NOAA administers this opportunity through its Office of Education to support students whose fields connect with research, oceans, the atmosphere, climate, engineering, computing, and other parts of the agency’s mission. It is not a need-based grant: selection weighs coursework, essays, references, and activities. The summer internship is central to the experience, not an optional add-on to the award. The cycle checked for this guide is open for 2027.
The scholarship page requires U.S. citizenship, full-time college enrollment, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and an expected graduation date between December 2028 and August 2029 for 2027 applicants. Graduation timing—not only the campus label “sophomore”—determines whether a student fits. Community-college students may apply while seeking admission to a four-year institution; they must include proof of that application and, if selected, confirm acceptance by September 15.
The maximum advertised value combines $9,500 in each of two academic years, a paid 10-week internship, and funds related to presenting work at national scientific conferences. The “up to $40,000” figure therefore describes a package, not one unrestricted payment. The internship is full time and may take place at a NOAA facility anywhere in the country; applicants should consider summer housing, travel, and the effect on their degree schedule before applying.
The application requires an online form, essays, transcripts from every college attended, and official documentation of the expected graduation date. NOAA accepts unofficial transcripts during selection but requires official copies from awardees. Two references are needed: one must be an undergraduate instructor, such as a professor who taught the student; the other may be academic or someone familiar with relevant experience or interest. Family, friends, and former high-school teachers or mentors are not accepted. Each reference receives a link and submits a form directly to NOAA.
The deadline is strict: NOAA must receive references and supporting materials by January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Essays should explain motivation and goals with concrete examples, describe research and activities beyond class, and connect the academic plan to NOAA’s public mission. The preparation guide helps students gather records early and review sample materials. For a case-specific question, contact the program office; the profile links its contact details and official application page.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: For the 2027 cycle, the portal accepts applications through January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The office lists StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov and 301-628-2913. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Federal undergraduate scholarship and paid internship for NOAA-related fields