Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Website: NOAA

Description

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings (Hollings) scholarship program is designed to:

  1. increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education and foster multidisciplinary training opportunities;
  2. increase public understanding and support for stewardship of the ocean and atmosphere and improve environmental literacy;
  3. recruit and prepare students for public service careers with NOAA and other natural resource and science agencies at the federal, state and local levels of government; and
  4. recruit and prepare students for careers as teachers and educators in oceanic and atmospheric science and to improve scientific and environmental education in the United States.

The Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program provides selected undergraduate applicants with a scholarship award (up to a maximum of $9,500 per year) for two academic years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time internship ($700/week) during the summer at a NOAA or partner facility. The internship is conducted between the first and second years of the award, and provides "hands-on" multidisciplinary educational training experience involving student scholars in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities.

Awards also include a mandatory NOAA orientation during the last week of May in the first year of the scholarship award; a housing allowance ($200/week) for student scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship; round-trip travel to the internship site including reimbursement for incidentals; travel expenses for attendance and participation at the NOAA Science and Education Symposium (Final Week presentations) in Silver Spring, MD, at the completion of the internship; and conference travel to attend professional conferences and present the results of the NOAA internship project.

Eligibility
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be currently enrolled or accepted at an accredited college or university within the United States or U.S. territories as either:
    • a full-time 2nd year student in a four-year undergraduate program
    • a full-time 3rd year student in a five-year undergraduate program
    • a community college or transfer student who is applying to a four-year institution
      • Community college or transfer applicants must provide proof of application to a four-year institution when submitting their application for the scholarship.

      • If accepted for the Hollings Scholarship, applicants must submit proof of acceptance prior to starting the program.

  • Earn and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on another identified scale) each term, as well as an overall GPA of 3.0 in your major field of study.
    • The GPA requirement applies throughout the period of undergraduate studies: prior to and at the time of application for a scholarship, for the period between application and award notification, and after award distribution.
  • Have and maintain a declared major in a discipline including, but not limited to: oceanic, environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing technology, computer and information science, physical and social sciences including geography, physics, hydrology, geomatics, or teacher education that support NOAA's programs and mission.
Student Type
  • sophomore
  • junior
  • senior
Citizen Type
  • US Citizen
Procedure

Applicants are required to submit ALL of the following items for an application to be deemed complete and eligible:

History

Over his long career in state and federal politics, Senator Ernest “Fritz” Hollings of South Carolina was a champion for ocean policy and conservation. When Senator Hollings retired in 2005, the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship was established in his honor to bolster undergraduate training in NOAA mission sciences, as well as increase environmental literacy.

Before leaving the Senate, Senator Hollings authored the Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act and the Oceans and Human Health Act, and also increased the national focus and priority of ocean and coastal conservation and research.

Senator Hollings was an avid champion of civil rights over his long career, took up the cause of fighting poverty, as well as advocated for education and fiscal responsibility. As a veteran, Senator Hollings supported a strong military and services for veterans and military families.

Service Agreement

Attend a mandatory NOAA Scholarship Program orientation and the annual Science & Education Symposium

Contact Information