Fiscal Year 2027 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through its National Sea Grant College Program, offers the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship as part of its broader mandate to support education, research, and policy engagement related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. Established under the National Sea Grant College Program Act of 1966, the program reflects a longstanding federal commitment to leveraging academic expertise to address environmental and resource management challenges. The Knauss Fellowship specifically provides graduate and professional students with direct exposure to federal policymaking processes, aligning with NOAA’s mission of science, service, and stewardship. The primary purpose of the fellowship is to provide an educational and professional development opportunity for students interested in marine and coastal policy. Fellows are placed within legislative or executive branch offices in the Washington, D.C. area, where they contribute to policy development, program implementation, and public service initiatives. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary training, leadership development, and the application of scientific knowledge to public policy challenges. Fellows are expected to engage in activities that enhance their understanding of government processes while contributing meaningful work to their host offices. Each fellowship award provides a total funding package of 97,200 dollars for a 12-month period. This includes 74,700 dollars allocated for the fellow’s salary and personnel expenses, 5,000 dollars for allowable professional development and academic expenses, and 17,500 dollars for travel-related costs. Allowable uses include tuition, conference participation, training, workshops, and relocation expenses in compliance with federal regulations. Indirect costs are not permitted, and funds cannot be used for infrastructure-related expenses such as land or building acquisition. The funding is administered through a cooperative agreement with eligible Sea Grant institutions, which manage the award on behalf of the fellow. Eligibility for the fellowship is limited to individuals who are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or dual nationals with U.S. citizenship, and who are enrolled in a graduate or professional program at an accredited U.S. institution during a specified timeframe. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in marine or coastal policy and must apply through a Sea Grant program associated with their academic institution or an assigned program. While students are the primary applicants, only Sea Grant programs are authorized to submit full applications to NOAA through Grants.gov. The application process involves multiple stages, beginning with submission of materials by students to their respective Sea Grant programs by June 3, 2026. Sea Grant programs conduct internal reviews and submit selected applications to NOAA by July 22, 2026. A letter of intent from each participating Sea Grant program is due July 8, 2026. Required application components include a curriculum vitae, personal statements addressing career goals and experiences, coursework and future plans, and letters of recommendation. A director’s endorsement letter is also required as part of the final submission. Applications must adhere strictly to formatting and submission guidelines, including PDF requirements and redaction of personally identifiable information. Applications are evaluated through a multi-stage review process, beginning at the state Sea Grant level and culminating in a national review by NOAA. Evaluation criteria include the applicant’s academic and professional background, demonstrated interest in public service, leadership experience, communication skills, and alignment with program goals. Letters of recommendation and the Sea Grant director’s endorsement are also assessed. Final selection considers both merit-based rankings and additional factors such as geographic distribution and program priorities. The fellowship period is expected to begin between February 1 and June 1, 2027, and conclude by June 30, 2028. Selected applicants are anticipated to be notified in September 2026. The program is offered annually, subject to federal funding availability. NOAA provides contact support through the National Sea Grant Office, including a program manager reachable via email and phone for application guidance. Overall, the Knauss Fellowship represents a competitive and structured opportunity for emerging professionals to gain hands-on experience in federal marine policy.

Emphasize policy relevance leadership experience and ability to translate science to non scientific audiences align clearly with Sea Grant mission demonstrate public service commitment