Internships
Internships available through NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers several internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain experience and skills related to NOAA’s mission. Follow the links below for more information.
Student Opportunities
Find information about nationwide educational opportunities (e.g., science fairs, graduate fellowships, internships) that are available through NOAA.
NOAA Undergraduate Scholarships and Internships
Get hands-on experience while pursuing research and educational training in NOAA-mission sciences.
High School Student Opportunities
High school youth can apply to get experience with NOAA and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to build skills and take action in their communities.
- Young Changemakers Fellowship
- Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassadors
- Learn about careers in ocean sciences: visit the Sea Your Future videos
Virtual Federal Service
Gain experience in your interest areas within federal agencies (including NOAA and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries) by taking on a virtual internship.
California State University (CSU) COAST Internship Program
COAST partners with federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations and industry to provide paid summer internships for continuing CSU undergraduate and graduate students. Interns work side-by-side with professionals on current scientific research, policy, and resource management projects throughout California. The program provides excellent opportunities to gain valuable experience and learn technical skills while working with experts in fisheries, marine ecology, policy, and marine technology.
John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program
Provides a unique educational and professional experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The Fellowship matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area for a one year paid fellowship.
Nancy Foster Scholarship
The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provides support for master’s and doctoral students with particular emphasis on projects that meet the science and education priorities of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
For applicants interested in submitting an application for work in Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries (GFNMS/CBNMS):
- Review background information on GFNMS/CBNMS to determine if your work aligns with the site needs and priorities: GFNMS website, CBNMS website, GFNMS condition report, CBNMS condition report, GFNMS science needs, and CBNMS science needs.
- Reach out early (ideally well before the application period) to sanctuary staff to begin a conversation about your research interests.
- Send a one page proposal to sanctuary staff that summarizes your research and education goals and how they meet GFNMS and CBNMS needs.
For complete information about the scholarship, including application requirements and deadlines, please see the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program website.
NOAA Sea Grant
Sea Grant is a federal-university partnership program that brings science together with communities for solutions that work. Sea Grant supports students on their path to marine and coastal careers.
Greater Farallones Association Fellowships
Greater Farallones Association, a nonprofit partner supporting the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries offers seasonal fellowships for early career professionals or college students with backgrounds underrepresented in the sciences. Positions provide instructional and or administrative support to education and science programs run by Greater Farallones Association.
