Hollings Preparation Program Internship (HPP) is a paid internship opportunity that prepares a diverse, talented pool of undergraduate freshmen to be competitive applicants for the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship. HPP scholars complete a 6-week paid internship with NOAA or a partner organization, primarily within the NOAA Western Region, including potential offices in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaiʻi.

The Hollings Preparation Program offers:

• A $500 scholarship.
• A 6-week NOAA internship with a $4,000 stipend.
• Professional development activities, including resume, cover letter, and communication workshops. 
• Weekly webinars on NOAA programs, research, and management initiatives.
• Opportunities for informational interviews with NOAA staff.
• A computational course in the R statistical package.
• Participation in projects in NOAA-related science, research, policy, management, communication, and education.
• Introduction and training for applying to future NOAA internships, featuring the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship.

Who is eligible

• Freshmen* enrolled at an accredited college or university within the United States or U.S. territories, who: 
  • Are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals.
  • Are available for a full-time, 6-week internship between early July and mid-August in the NOAA Alaska, Pacific Islands, and Western regions. 
  • Had a 3.0 or higher GPA in their last year of high school.

*Students that have enough credits to be considered a sophomore may be eligible for HPP if:

• They will need another year before transferring to a 4-year school, or 
• The will need three additional years to complete their undergraduate degree.

For more questions and learn how to apply, please email hollingsprep.wcr@noaa.gov.

More information

The Hollings Preparation Program is supported by the Office of Education Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship and managed in partnership with NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region.