FY25 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program

The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is seeking applications for the FY25 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program. This competitive scholarship provides funding for master's and doctoral degrees in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology, and related disciplines. The program particularly encourages applications from women and members of minority groups who may face financial constraints in pursuing advanced degrees. Applicants must submit a pre-application by October 31, 2024 and a full application by February 14, 2025. The evaluation criteria focus on the applicant's qualifications, proposed research plan, and alignment with the science priorities of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

Scholarships are valued at approximately $47,000 per year and will be announced by May or June 2025. Recipients will be required to participate in an annual orientation, develop an outreach product, give presentations, and complete a 4-6 week program collaboration at a NOAA facility. This program is authorized under 16 U.S.C. 1445c-1 and 1445c and is funded annually with 1% of the amount appropriated to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.