Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Description: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Rollings (Rollings) scholarship program is designed to: (1) increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education and foster multidisciplinary training opportunities; (2) increase public understanding and support for stewardship of the ocean and atmosphere and improve environmental literacy; (3) recruit and prepare students for public service careers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other natural resource and science agencies at the federal, state and local levels of government; and (4) recruit and prepare students for careers as teachers and educators in oceanic and atmospheric science and to improve scientific and environmental education in the United States.
Eligible undergraduates studying oceanic, environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing technology, physical and social sciences including geography, physics, hydrology, geomatics, or teacher education that support NOAA's programs and mission are encouraged to apply.
Dollar Value: Academic assistance (up to a maximum of $8,000) per academic year for full-time study; housing during the summer internship; a 10-week, full-time internship position ($650/week) during the summer at a NOAA or partner facility.
Number of Scholarships: About 100
Eligibility:
  • U.S. citizenship.
  • Full-time junior academic status in Fall 2006 in an accredited college or university within the United States or U.S. territories.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in all completed undergraduate courses and major field of study.
  • Majoring in a discipline area related to oceanic, environmental and atmospheric science, remote sensing technology and education, and supportive of the purposes of NOAA's programs and mission, e.g., biological, social, and physical sciences; mathematics; engineering; computer and information sciences; hydrology; geomatics; and teacher education.
Application Procedures: Applications will be accepted by mail or via email. Please email application to StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov. The referee and academic institution must mail references and Official transcripts by February 9.
Deadline: February 4, 2011
Contact:
NOAA/HoIlings Scholarship, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
P.O. Box 117, MS 36,
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0117
Phone: (301) 713-9437, ext. 125
Fellowships Coordinator:
Name: Scott Handley, Honors College, University Hall 212
Phone: 417-836-6371

Frequently asked questions

The eligibility requirements state that applicants must have full-time junior academic status in the upcoming Fall term. Would seniors in the upcoming Fall term be eligible to apply?
Eligible Rollings applicants include 3rd year students in a four-year academic program and 4th year students in a five-year academic program. To maintain eligibility, students must demonstrate full-time status for both academic years during which they are Rollings scholars. Applicants entering their 4* or 5th academic year in the Fall and expecting to graduate at the end of that same year are not eligible.
What are the requirements of the scholarship?
Award recipients are required to earn a 3.0 grade point average each semester or quarter, as well as cumulative and in the major field of study; participate in a one-week mandatory orientation program at NOAA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland during the last week of May; visit the selected summer internship site during the winter or spring break; and complete a 10-week paid internship during the summer between the junior and senior years.
If student receive another scholarship from NOAA are they still eligible to receive a Hollings Scholarship?
No.
How will application be evaluated?
Evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
  1. Relevant course work (30%).
  2. Education plan and statement of career interest of student (40%)./Recommendations and/or endorsements (reference forms) of student (20%).
  3. Additional relevant experience related to diversity of education; extracurricular activities; honors and awards; non-academic and volunteer work; interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills (10%).
What selection factors might be considered in the determination of scholarship awards?
In determining final awards, the selecting official reserves the right to select candidates out of rank order based on availability of funds and program-specific objectives and to ensure reasonable distribution across academic disciplines, type of institution, and geographic location.
What are the requirements of the internship?
If selected as a Hollings scholar, scholars are required to visit the selected summer internship site during spring break, and complete a 10-week paid internship during the summer between junior and
senior years.
What happens if a scholar fails to meet the eligibility requirements of the program after receiving a Rollings Scholarship award?
Award benefits will be contingent on compliance with all eligibility requirements.
How often do scholars receive the academic award and internship stipend payment?
During the academic year, scholars will receive their academic award payment at the start of each academic semester monthly from ORISE according to a prearranged schedule. During the summer internship, scholars will receive the stipend payment every two weeks from ORISE according to a prearranged schedule. Direct deposit is available for both the academic award payment and the internship stipend payment.