About the Scholarship

Introduction
Eligibility
Important Dates
Financial Support
Evaluation Criteria
Review and Selection Process

Introduction

The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provides support for outstanding scholarship and encourages independent graduate-level research in oceanography, marine biology, or maritime archaeology, particularly by women and members of minority groups. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships carry a 12-month stipend for each student of $20,000 and an annual cost-of-education allowance of up to $12,000 and up to $20,000 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.

Eligibility

Those eligible to apply are United States citizens currently pursuing or intending to pursue a masters or doctoral level degree in oceanography, maritime archaeology (including the curation, preservation, and display of maritime artifacts) 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.

Important Dates

2008/2009 Schedule

The 2008/2009 application process begins on December 1, 2007. All applications must be received by February 8, 2008 no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients travel to Silver Spring, MD, for a mandatory NOAA Orientation and to meet with National Marine Sanctuaries Program staff from May 26 to May 31, 2008. Awards will include travel expenses to attend the mandatory Scholarship Program orientation.

The anticipated award start date is August 1, 2008.

Financial Support

For the 2008-2009 academic year, Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships provide support of up to $32,000: a 12-month stipend of $20,000, in addition to an annual cost-of-education allowance of up to $12,000; and up to $20,000 support for a four to six week research collaboration at a NOAA facility. A maximum of $84,000 may be provided to masters students (up to 2 years of support and one research collaboration opportunity) and up to $168,000 may be provided to doctoral students (up to 4 years of support and two research collaboration opportunities).

The annual stipend is paid directly to the scholar. For periods lasting less than 12 months, stipends will be prorated. The stipend is not intended to be used as a research grant. NOAA anticipates the student and their faculty advisor will secure research funds independent of the scholarship. The payment of tuition and academic fees will be discussed between the academic institution and NOAA prior to the start of studies. In those instances in which fees are not waived or reduced, the cost-of-education allowance will be paid directly to the scholar to offset tuition and academic fees.

Specific instructions regarding the disbursement, management, and reporting requirements for all stipend and cost-of-education allowance payments will be provided. The awarding of funds beyond the first year will be based on availability of funds, continued eligibility of the student, and periodic certification that adequate academic progress is being made and reporting requirements are being met. At its discretion, each academic institution may supplement a scholar's stipend from institutional funds in accordance with the supplementation policy of the institution.

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria and their weights are as follows: (1) Academic record and statement of career goals and objectives of student (goals and objectives described in the Statement of Intent) (25%); (2) Quality of research proposal and applicability to NOAA's mission, and especially the National Marine Sanctuary Program (30%);
(3) Recommendations and/or endorsement letters (15%);
(4) Additional relevant experience related to diversity of education: extra-curricular activities; honors and awards, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. For the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, this also includes relevant work experience. (Interpersonal and written skills will be evaluated from information in
the Statement of Intent.) (15%); (5) Financial need of student (15%).

Review and Selection Process

An initial administrative review of applications is conducted to determine compliance with requirements and completeness of applications. A panel of at least three NOAA experts will individually review and rate applications based on the evaluation criteria. A numerical ranking will be assigned to each application based on the average of the panel members ratings. The Selecting Official, the Director of Education, will award in rank order unless the application is justified to be selected out of rank order based on one or more of the selection factors below.

The names, academic institutions, degrees being sought, research plans, and biographical information of the scholarship awardees will be posted on NOAA’s National Ocean Service Web site and may be published in marketing materials developed to advertise the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program.

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