EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Program overview
The EPP Undergraduate Scholarship Program (USP) supports two years of undergraduate study for rising junior students at accredited minority-serving institutions who major in fields that directly support NOAA’s mission, including STEM and related social sciences. The award provides a stipend for junior and senior years, two paid NOAA internships, conference participation, and structured professional development. Scholars gain hands-on research experience, expand professional networks, and receive mentoring to help clarify career goals. The program aims both to strengthen the pipeline of STEM talent and to familiarize scholars with NOAA research and facilities.
- Two-year scholarship for rising juniors at minority-serving institutions.
- Includes stipends, paid internships, and conference support.
- Emphasizes professional development and networking with NOAA staff.
- Supports continuation into NOAA mission-aligned graduate study or careers.
About the award
The USP provides financial support and experiential learning tied directly to NOAA’s mission. Eligible scholars may receive up to $45,000 in total support during their junior and senior years, which includes travel and conference expenses. The award requires two paid summer internships at NOAA facilities and academic-year research and service projects at the student’s institution. At the conclusion of each summer internship, scholars present results at the Science and Education Symposium.
Award Value: Students receive awards of up to $45,000 in support during their junior and senior years, inclusive of travel and conference participation.
Internships: The first summer includes an 11-week paid internship in Silver Spring, Maryland, with a two-week orientation; the second summer includes a 10-week paid internship at any NOAA facility nationwide. Stipends and housing allowances are provided for both internships.
Academic Expectations: During the academic year, scholars conduct research and a service project at their home institution and present their work at the program symposium.
- Comprehensive support combining financial aid and experiential training.
- Structured first-summer orientation in Silver Spring, Maryland.
- National placement options for the second-summer internship.
- Formal presentation opportunities at a NOAA symposium.
Eligibility
The program is open to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals enrolled at accredited minority-serving institutions and pursuing disciplines related to NOAA’s programs and mission. Applicants must be in specified academic standings—typically a full-time second-year student in a four-year program, transferring from a two-year to a four-year institution, or a third-year student in a five-year program. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Eligibility is tied to both institutional designation and field of study aligned with NOAA mission priorities.
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, enrolled in an approved academic status, studying a NOAA-related discipline at an accredited minority-serving institution, and maintaining at least a 3.2 GPA.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or U.S. national required.
- Academic status: full-time 2nd-year in a four-year program; transferring from a two-year to a four-year program; or 3rd-year in a five-year program.
- Institution: must attend a minority-serving institution as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
- GPA: minimum 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
Read more at Prospective EPP undergraduate scholars and in FAQs for prospective EPP undergraduate scholars.
Apply and contact information
To apply, use the NOAA undergraduate scholarship application; the EPP and Hollings scholarships share a common application. The application cycle is available annually from September through January. Applicants should follow the published application instructions and deadlines for the current cycle. For inquiries, contact the program directly by email.
Application Timeline: The common application opens each year in September and remains available through January.
Contact: [email protected]
- Single application used for both EPP USP and Hollings scholarships.
- Annual application window: September through January.
- Direct program inquiries should be sent to the listed email address.