OpportunityTitle: Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: Only individuals who are United States citizens currently pursuing a Master&apos;s or doctoral level degree in oceanography, marine biology or maritime archaeology (including all science, engineering, and resource management of ocean and coastal  areas) at a U.S. accredited graduate institution are eligible for an award under this  scholarship program. In addition, students must have and maintain a minimum cumulative and term grade point average of 3.0 and maintain full-time student status  for every term, and for the duration of their award. Universities or other organizations  may not apply on behalf of an individual. Prospective scholars do not need to be  enrolled in a graduate program at the time of application, but must be admitted to a graduate level program in order to be awarded this scholarship. Eligibility must be maintained for each succeeding year of support and annual reporting requirements, to be specified at a later date, will apply.
Description: The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provides support for independent graduate-level studies in oceanography, marine biology or maritime archaeology (including all science, engineering, and resource management of ocean and coastal areas), particularly to women and minorities. Individuals who are U.S. citizens and are applying to or have been accepted to a graduate program at a U.S. accredited institution may apply. Scholarship selections are based on academic excellence, letters of recommendations, research and career goals, and financial need. Applicants must have and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average each academic term and cumulatively and maintain full-time student status for the duration of the appointment. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships may provide, subject to appropriations, yearly support of up to $42,000 per student (a 12-month stipend of $30,000 in addition to an 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. A maximum of $94,000 may be provided to masters students (up to 2 years of support and one research collaboration opportunity) and up to $188,000 may be provided to doctoral students (up to 4 years of support and two research collaboration opportunities). Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients will travel to Silver Spring, MD, during the week of May 29, 2011, for a NOAA Orientation and to meet with National Marine Sanctuaries Program staff. Awards will include travel expenses to attend the mandatory Scholarship Program orientation. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship recipients will also be required to participate in a research collaboration at a NOAA facility. Master`s candidates will be supported for one research collaboration opportunity and Doctoral candidates will be supported for up to two research collaboration opportunities over the duration of the scholarship. The research collaboration opportunity is designed to allow scholars to conduct their research at a NOAA facility and on NOAA mission research for four to six weeks. Scholars are required to provide their own health insurance coverage during the research collaboration. Pending availability of funding, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) may hold a biennial Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Symposium to discuss recipient research projects and further collaborative efforts with the ONMS. Current and past recipients of the scholarship may be eligible to receive travel support. Federal support for the research opportunity may be used toward allowable travel costs such as: travel to and from the NOAA facility, housing, and per diem; while conducting research at the NOAA facility. Applicants who are awarded the Nancy Foster Scholarship will identify their research collaboration opportunity(s) topic and NOAA facility during the initial scholarship year. NOAA approval is required prior to embarking on the research collaboration. Additional Information about the scholarship can be obtained in the full announcement text of the Federal Funding Opportunity.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: For application download issues.
GrantorContactText: Steve Drescher &lt;br/&gt;Policy Advisor &lt;br/&gt;