Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Those eligible to apply are United States citizens currently pursuing or intending to pursue a masters or doctoral level degree in oceanography, maritime archaeology, or marine biology, (including all science, engineering, and resource management of ocean and coastal areas). Studies must be conducted on a full-time basis. Additional eligibility requirements that must be met before the release of funds is acceptance to an institution in the U.S. with an accredited program in the areas described above, and certification by that institution that the award recipient will adhere to a detailed plan of study with approved research.
Recipients of scholarship awards may be employed at the time of the award if it is a requirement of their degree program or directly related to their research effort. Other forms of employment will not be allowed and scholars will be required to submit a letter certifying that they meet this requirement. Eligibility must be maintained for each succeeding year of support and annual reporting requirements, to be specified at a later date, will apply.
Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recognizes outstanding scholarship and encourages independent graduate level research -- particularly by female and minority students -- in oceanography, marine biology and maritime archaeology. Congress authorized the Program, as described in the National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-513), soon after Dr. Foster's death in June 2000, as a means of honoring her life’s work and contribution to the nation. The program is administered through NOAA’s Office of Education and funded annually with one percent of the amount appropriated each fiscal year to carry out the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.
Applicants should apply on-line through grants.gov. It can take 3-4 days to obtain a grants.gov login and password, therefore do not wait until March to obtain your login and password. Grants.gov now requires up to 2 days to process applications. Therefore, to meet the March 17, 2011 deadline, your application must be submitted by March 15, 2011.
Each application must include the following items:
1.STANDARD FORM 424 (SF-424) Application for Federal Assistance.
2.GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET
3. RESEARCH PROPOSAL
4.STATEMENT OF INTENT
5. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL NEED
6. INSTITUTE CERTIFICATION
7.TRANSCRIPTS
8. TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMEDATION
9.DECLARATION
Scholarships carry a 12-month stipend for each student of $30,000 and an annual cost-of-education allowance of up to $12,000 and up to $10,000 support for a four to six week research collaboration at a NOAA facility. Masters students may be supported for up to two years, and doctoral students for up to four years. About four scholarships are awarded each year.