2027 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
The Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship places graduate students in federal offices in Washington, D.C. for a year, providing hands-on experience integrating science with national marine policy-making.
Funder: California Sea Grant
Due Dates: June 3, 2026 (Full student application, California Sea Grant) | July 1, 2026 (Student applications due to state Sea Grant programs) | July 8, 2026 (Letters of intent due to National Sea Grant Office) | July 22, 2026 (State nominations/national proposal deadline) | August 12, 2026 (Alternate LOI deadline) | August 26, 2026 (Alternate nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: $74,700 stipend plus $5,000 professional development per fellow for 12 months; total award per fellow: $97,200 (includes some travel and relocation support).
Summary: Year-long, in-person fellowship in Washington, D.C. for graduate students to gain hands-on experience in federal marine policy, working in executive or legislative offices.
Key Information: Applicants must apply through their state Sea Grant program and be prepared to relocate to D.C.; dual citizens may have limited placement options.
Description
The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship provides a unique, fully funded, one-year placement in Washington, D.C. for graduate students interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. Fellows are placed in either legislative or executive branch offices, where they directly engage in national policy-making and public service. The program is designed to foster leadership, communication, and analytical skills, and to develop future leaders in marine policy by integrating scientific knowledge with real-world policy experience. Administered by the National Sea Grant College Program and implemented by state Sea Grant programs (such as California Sea Grant), the fellowship is highly competitive and non-renewable.
