Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship

The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is dedicated to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of every action and every decision. We know that having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing world. Scholarship Details • Scholarships support master’s and doctoral degrees in: Oceanography Marine Biology Maritime Archaeology Other related disciplines such as ocean and/or coastal engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship, cultural anthropology, and resource management • Oceanography • Marine Biology • Maritime Archaeology • Other related disciplines such as ocean and/or coastal engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship, cultural anthropology, and resource management • The program encourages applicants with research proposals closely aligned with NOAA's mission and the science priorities of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. • A financial need statement that conveys hardships or other relevant information may strengthen your application. • Applicants with a 3.3 GPA or higher and strong letters of recommendation are preferred. Eligibility Criteria • Must be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology, or related disciplines. • Applicants should demonstrate a research proposal that aligns with NOAA’s mission, particularly with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. • Documented financial need is a component of the application evaluation. • Minimum GPA of 3.3 and strong letters of recommendation are recommended. Application Process 1. Submit a completed application with a detailed research proposal that aligns with NOAA’s mission. 2. Include a compelling financial need statement as part of your personal narrative. 3. Gather at least two letters of recommendation that reflect your commitment to marine science and academic excellence. If you are dedicated to marine stewardship and your academic goals align with NOAA’s priorities, the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program offers financial support to further your education and impact in this crucial field. The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is administered through the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and subject to appropriations. It is funded annually with 1% of the amount appropriated each fiscal year to the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to carry out the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Application scoring weights include: research proposal (up to 30 points), financial need statement (up to 25 points), and letters of recommendation (up to 10 points). Applicants in the last year of their Master's or Ph.D. program are not advised to apply. Dependent on funding, the FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunity is anticipated to publish in mid-September 2026, which will kick off the pre-application process.