[Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution](https://www.whoi.edu)

June 3, 2026: Full application deadline

$74,700 stipend plus $5,000 for professional development; one-year, non-renewable

One-year fellowship for graduate students to gain hands-on experience in marine policy and science in Washington, D.C. government offices.

Applications must be submitted through your state Sea Grant program by the deadline.

--- ## Description This nationally competitive fellowship provides early-career graduate students with a one-year, paid placement in Washington, D.C., working in federal executive or legislative branch offices on issues related to coastal, marine, and Great Lakes policy. The program is designed to bridge science and policy, offering fellows the opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of national policy decisions while expanding their professional network and policy experience. --- ## Due Dates - **June 3, 2026:** Full application deadline (applications must be submitted to your state Sea Grant program by 5:00 p.m. local time; for WHOI Sea Grant, by 5:00 p.m. ET) --- ## Funding Amount - **Stipend:** $74,700 for the one-year fellowship - **Professional Development:** Additional $5,000 discretionary budget for moving, professional development, or related expenses - **Duration:** One year (June 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028) - **Non-renewable** --- ## Eligibility - **Citizenship:** U.S. Citizen, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or dual national (one citizenship must be U.S.) - **Academic Status:** Must be enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s, Ph.D., or J.D.) at an accredited U.S. institution at any point between the start of Fall 2025 and June 3, 2026 - **Degree:** Graduate degree must be awarded through an accredited U.S. institution or U.S. Territory - **Interest:** Demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and related national policy issues --- ## Application Process - **Step 1:** Review guidance and resources on the [NOAA Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship prospective fellows page](https://seagrant.noaa.gov/communities/students/graduate-fellows/knauss-fellowship-program/prospective/) - **Step 2:** Contact your state Sea Grant program to express interest and request application instructions ([find your state Sea Grant program](https://seagrant.noaa.gov/communities/students/graduate-fellows/knauss-fellowship-program/#find-a-program)) - **Step 3:** Prepare application materials, including: - Curriculum vitae (CV) - Personal statement - Two letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member) - Academic transcripts - List of planned courses/work for the upcoming year - **Step 4:** Submit your complete application to your state Sea Grant program by June 3, 2026 - **Step 5:** State Sea Grant programs review, interview, and select up to six applicants for national competition - **Step 6:** National Sea Grant Office conducts final selection and placement process --- ## Additional Information - Fellowship placements are in Washington, D.C., in either federal executive or legislative branch offices. - Fellows are not considered federal employees but are funded through cooperative agreements with Sea Grant programs. - The fellowship year runs from June 1, 2027, to May 31, 2028. - Awardees participate in orientation, placement weeks, and professional development activities. - Finalists may be eligible for Direct Hire Authority for federal employment after successful completion. --- ## External Links - [Knauss Fellowship Program Overview](https://seagrant.noaa.gov/communities/students/graduate-fellows/knauss-fellowship-program/) - [Prospective Fellows (Application Instructions)](https://seagrant.noaa.gov/communities/students/graduate-fellows/knauss-fellowship-program/prospective/) - [Find Your State Sea Grant Program](https://seagrant.noaa.gov/communities/students/graduate-fellows/knauss-fellowship-program/#find-a-program) - [2027 Knauss Applicant Guide (PDF)](https://seagrant.noaa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2027-Sea-Grant-Knauss-Marine-Policy-Fellowship-Student-Guide.pdf) - [Notice of Funding Opportunity](https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/e8838b2b-296d-4bb1-8bb7-5d71a691be5e#opportunity-documents) - [WHOI Fellowship Opportunities](https://seagrant.whoi.edu/fellowship-opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Program | Email | Phone | |---------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------| | Matt Charette | WHOI Sea Grant Director | [mcharette@whoi.edu](mailto:mcharette@whoi.edu) | (508) 548-1400 | | National Sea Grant Office | Knauss Fellowship Questions | [oar.sg.fellows@noaa.gov](mailto:oar.sg.fellows@noaa.gov) | |

2027 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

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