Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
About This Scholarship
The NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship is the federal government's premier award for undergraduates interested in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, policy, and education. NOAA provides up to $9,500 per year in academic assistance for two years of full-time study — up to $19,000 total — plus a 10-week paid summer internship ($700 per week) at a NOAA facility between the two award years.
More than 120 students receive the award each year, and the program has produced over 2,300 alumni from more than 450 colleges and universities; NOAA reports that 75% of scholarship alumni go on to graduate school. Awards also cover travel to a mandatory orientation and the annual Science & Education Symposium, plus a housing subsidy during the internship for scholars living away from home.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens currently enrolled full-time as second-year students in a four-year program (or third-year students in a five-year program) at an accredited U.S. institution. The application window runs annually from September through the end of January.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- Enrolled full-time as a 2nd-year student in a four-year undergraduate program, or 3rd-year student in a five-year program, at an accredited U.S. college or university
- Interest in NOAA mission fields: oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, policy, or education
- Application includes personal statements and academic records
How To Apply
- Review the prospective-scholars materials on NOAA's Hollings Scholarship site.
- Complete the online application, including transcripts and written statements, when the window opens September 1.
- Submit by the January 31 close; awards are announced in the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a science major to win a Hollings Scholarship?
No. NOAA accepts majors across science, engineering, policy, education, and other fields as long as your goals connect to NOAA's mission areas like oceans, weather, climate, and coastal management.
Is the Hollings internship paid?
Yes. Scholars complete a 10-week, full-time summer internship at a NOAA facility paid at $700 per week, with a housing subsidy for those living away from home, in addition to up to $9,500 per year in academic support.