2027 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
Forecasted
2027 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship supports graduate students in paid federal policy assignments focused on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources to build science-policy and public service skills.
Funder: California Sea Grant
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Student applications) | July 2027 (State program letters of intent) | July 2027 (National nominations)
Funding Amounts: $97,200 per fellow cooperative agreement, including $74,700 for salary and personnel expenses over 12 months
Summary: A paid graduate fellowship providing hands-on federal policy and public service experience related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.
Key Information: Fellows must relocate to Washington, D.C.; students apply through Sea Grant, not directly through Grants.gov.
Description
The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship matches graduate students with executive or legislative branch host offices in the Washington, D.C. area for a twelve-month paid assignment. NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program oversees national selection and cohort placement, while California Sea Grant administers awards for fellows selected through its program. The fellowship is an extension of graduate education, focused on professional learning at the intersection of science, policy, and public service.
Fellows may develop and deliver public programs, inform policymaking, provide evidence-based advice, prepare briefings, draft legislation or reports, and support project management. Assignments can involve focused expertise or broader coordination across a host office’s portfolio. The program is nonpartisan and emphasizes environmental literacy and workforce development, with training, workshops, conferences, and travel supporting career growth.
