NOAA Opens 2027 Hollings Scholarship Apps
Applications for NOAA's 2027 Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship are open until January 31, 2027. The program offers up to $40,000 for eligible sophomores, including a paid internship and academic funding.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship. According to the agency's announcement, the application window opened on September 1, 2026, and will close on January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The prestigious program targets undergraduate sophomores and provides a comprehensive package of financial support and professional experience.
Scholarship Benefits and Eligibility
The scholarship offers a total award of up to $40,000. This sum includes a $9,500 annual stipend for the recipient's junior and senior years of full-time study. It also funds a 10-week, paid summer internship at a NOAA facility anywhere in the nation. Additional funds are provided for travel and for presenting research at two national scientific conferences.
Eligibility is restricted to U.S. Citizens who are full-time undergraduate sophomores at accredited U.S. Colleges or universities. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and be majoring in a NOAA mission-related field, which includes STEM and social science disciplines. For the 2027 application cycle, eligible students must have an anticipated graduation date between December 2028 and August 2029.
This window means the program is designed for specific student groups. Typically, eligible students are in their second year of a four-year program. Community college students planning to transfer to a four-year institution as juniors in the fall of 2027 can also apply. Third-year students enrolled in a five-year undergraduate program are eligible as well.
Program Background and Impact
The Hollings Scholarship is more than just financial aid. It is a pathway to a career in environmental and oceanic sciences. A NOAA informational recording states that the program aims to prepare the next generation of scientists and stewards. The paid internship is a central component, giving scholars hands-on experience within the federal agency.
The program has a notable track record. In April 2026, the NOAA Office of Education selected 128 new Hollings scholars. These students came from 95 different campuses across 40 U.S. States, Guam, and Washington, D.C. Many alumni of the scholarship eventually secure full-time positions at NOAA. Others find careers in other government agencies, in academia, or within the private sector.
Application Resources and Webinars
Prospective applicants are encouraged to use numerous resources provided by NOAA. The agency's website hosts detailed eligibility requirements and a frequently asked questions section for applicants. Those interested can also read blog posts from current and past scholars describing their internship experiences on the official scholar blog.
To help candidates, NOAA is hosting several informational webinars. Registration is open for sessions scheduled for October 9, 2026; December 4, 2026; and January 8, 2027; all at 3:00 p.m. ET. For students who cannot attend live, a recording of a webinar from the 2026 application cycle is available to view. This recording provides information and tips about the scholarship program and its application process.
