Knauss Graduate Policy Fellowships
Forecasted
Knauss Graduate Policy Fellowships support graduate students in federal ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes policy work to connect graduate study with public service and science-policy communication.
Funder: Louisiana Sea Grant
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Student applications)
Funding Amounts: $74,700 salary/stipend support plus $5,000 professional development budget for one non-renewable year
Summary: A paid graduate fellowship placing students in federal offices to work on national ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes policy.
Key Information: Applicants must be prepared to relocate to Washington, D.C., and pass a federal background security check.
Description
The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers graduate students a year-long educational experience in the legislative or executive branch of the federal government in the Washington, D.C., area. Administered through NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program and participating state Sea Grant programs, including Louisiana Sea Grant, it connects graduate study with substantive national policy work affecting ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.
The fellowship is non-partisan and emphasizes public service, science-policy communication, and professional development rather than a separate research project. Legislative fellows may prepare briefings, research policy issues, draft legislation, and respond to constituents. Executive fellows may develop reports and policy summaries, coordinate projects, or support strategic planning and implementation. Assignments reflect each host office’s priorities and may span a focused subject area or a broad portfolio.
