) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites..
José E. Serrano Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI)
NOAA
The EPP/MSI Graduate Fellowship Program is designed to serve as a future workforce pipeline to NOAA for qualified students currently supported at EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers and pursuing a graduate degree in a discipline aligned with NOAA’s mission. The selected fellows participate in professional development training and a year-long experiential opportunity at a NOAA facility.
During the appointment, fellows are required to engage in a 12-month collaborative research project aligned with NOAA’s mission at a NOAA facility under the guidance of both a NOAA mentor and their academic institution advisor. In addition to their disciplinary specialty, fellows must incorporate human dimensions into their research, which may include social science, behavioral science, communications, and economics. Through these collaborations, EPP/MSI fellows will conduct research in STEM disciplines aligned with NOAA’s mission, building upon the capacity developed at the Cooperative Science Centers. The fellows will also become more familiar with the research and operations of NOAA and continue to develop their professional networks.
Award Package
Fellows are awarded a financial package based on the degree being pursued.
|
Master’s students |
Doctoral students |
|
|
Stipend, tuition, and fees |
$45,000 |
$60,000 |
|
Professional development |
$3,500 |
$3,500 |
|
Travel support (research and conference presentations) |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
|
Housing subsidy (based on location) |
$13,000
|
$13,000
|
|
Computer, peripherals, and software (based on need) |
$4,000 |
$4,000 |
Eligibility
Applicants must be currently enrolled, and retain enrollment status, as a full-time student for the duration of the fellowship at one of NOAA’s EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers in an accredited graduate degree program. In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 3.5 GPA for the duration of EPP/MSI fellowship
- U.S. Citizen
- Undergraduate degree in STEM
- Enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program and matriculated in a STEM discipline that directly aligns with the NOAA mission
- Completed one academic term of graduate coursework
How to apply
EPP/MSI will announce an annual call for applications and anticipates supporting up to six fellows annually. Applications may only be obtained from, and submitted through, the EPP/MSI Center Director.
The application packages must include:
- Completed application
- Full official transcript that includes grades up to the previous academic term
- Supplemental documents, including:
- Personal statement (three pages maximum): Includes a description of NOAA mission-aligned academic and professional goals, identification of the line office of interest, and NOAA subject matter experts who may serve as a NOAA mentor
- A one year program plan including: objectives, anticipated outcomes, methodology, and timeline (5 pages maximum)
- A total of 3 letters of recommendation: One each from the Center Director, the student’s academic advisor, and the CSC Distinguished Scientist.
- A letter of support from the proposed NOAA mentor.
Former recipients
EPP/MSI awarded the first graduate fellowships in this program in 2021. Read more about former recipients in the announcements below.
