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

The National Sea Grant College Program, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce, was established by Congress in 1966 to foster partnerships between federal and state entities and to leverage academic expertise in addressing challenges facing coastal communities. The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship is a long-standing initiative within this program, created to provide graduate students with hands-on experience in marine policy and federal decision-making. The fellowship aligns with NOAA’s broader mission to advance science, stewardship, and service related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. The primary objective of the fellowship is to provide an educational and professional development opportunity for graduate students who are interested in marine and coastal policy. Fellows are placed in legislative or executive branch offices in the Washington, D.C. area, where they contribute to policy development, program implementation, and research translation. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary engagement, public service, and the application of scientific knowledge to policy decisions that affect national and regional marine resources. Funding for the fellowship is structured as a cooperative agreement awarded to eligible Sea Grant institutions, which administer the funds on behalf of selected fellows. Each award totals 97200 dollars and includes funding for stipend, travel, and professional development expenses. Allowable uses include salary support, academic tuition, travel for conferences or training, and relocation expenses in accordance with federal guidelines. However, funds may not be used for land acquisition, construction, or major infrastructure, and indirect costs are not allowable for fellowship-related expenses. Eligibility is centered on individual graduate students, although applications must be submitted through Sea Grant programs rather than directly to Grants.gov. Students must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or dual nationals with U.S. citizenship, and must be enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited U.S. institution during the specified eligibility window. Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in marine policy and coastal resource management. Sea Grant programs, institutional programs, and coherent area programs are the only entities permitted to submit full proposals to NOAA on behalf of selected candidates. The application process involves multiple stages. Students must first submit application materials to their respective state Sea Grant program by an earlier internal deadline, after which selected applications are forwarded by the program to NOAA through Grants.gov. Required components include a curriculum vitae, personal statements addressing career goals and experiences, future plans, and letters of recommendation. A letter of endorsement from the Sea Grant director is also required. Evaluation criteria include academic and professional background, leadership potential, commitment to public service, and alignment with program goals. The timeline includes several key deadlines. Student applications to Sea Grant programs are due by July 1, 2026, followed by a letter of intent from Sea Grant programs due August 12, 2026, and final submissions to Grants.gov due August 26, 2026. Selected fellows are expected to be notified in October 2026, with the fellowship beginning no earlier than June 1, 2027. The period of performance is approximately 13 months. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparation well in advance due to required registrations and coordination with Sea Grant offices. Program oversight includes a structured review process at both the state and national levels, with scoring based on clearly defined criteria such as leadership, communication skills, and alignment with public service goals. NOAA provides contact support through the Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship Program Manager, who can be reached via email or phone for application assistance. The program is expected to recur annually, reflecting its long-standing role in developing marine policy professionals.

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