USA Scholarships
EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 - NOAA
The EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program (USP) is NOAA''s pipeline scholarship for talented students at minority-serving institutions across the United States and U.S. territories, not a single-state award. Rising juniors majoring in ocean, atmospheric, environmental, biological, engineering, geospatial, or social science fields tied to NOAA''s mission compete for two years of academic stipends, mandatory NOAA internships, and conference travel. Scholars receive up to $9,500 per year while enrolled full time, plus $700 per week during each 10-week summer internship, housing help when you live away from home, and funds to present research. You apply through the shared NOAA undergraduate scholarship application with Hollings, usually from September through January 31. NOAA announced no 2026 EPP class because of federal budget uncertainty, so treat the 2027 timeline below as the annual pattern and confirm reopening on noaa.gov before you prepare materials.
What is the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship?
Google Trends often pairs this program with Alaska because CareerOneStop geotags vary, but NOAA''s own eligibility page talks about minority-serving institutions nationwide, not a northern residency rule. The José E. Serrano EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program (USP) exists to move MSI juniors into NOAA''s STEM and coastal workforce with money and two summers inside federal labs.
The financial stack is clearer than many campus merit awards: up to $9,500 while you are enrolled full time, then paid internship weeks, housing help if you are not crashing with family, and travel to show off your project. That package assumes you can leave home for orientation in Silver Spring and for each ten-week placement.
Budget politics matter right now. NOAA skipped the 2026 EPP class while Hollings continued, so do not assume the portal will list EPP boxes every January until the agency posts a fresh announcement. When the cycle runs, the deadline is the same January 31 wall as Hollings, the GPA floor is 3.2, and your essays need to sound like someone who could see themselves in a NOAA uniform, not just someone who likes the ocean on vacation.
If your school is an MSI, talk to the Office of Student Affairs early about verification letters, especially at HSIs. Line up recommenders who have seen you in quantitative work, and read the FAQ on co-op terms so you do not accidentally drop below full-time status and lose a stipend mid-year.
Eligibility
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✓U.S. citizenship or nationalityOnly U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals may apply. Permanent residents and international students are not eligible under NOAA's published rules.
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✓Enrollment at a Department of Education MSIYou must attend an accredited minority-serving institution in the United States or a U.S. territory, including HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, PBIs, and other MSI categories NOAA lists. HSI students must include an official letter confirming DOE recognition.
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✓Sophomore standing at application timeEligible applicants are full-time second-year students in a four-year program, third-year students in a five-year program, or community college students transferring into junior status the fall after they apply.
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✓NOAA mission-related majorYour coursework and career plans must connect to NOAA fields such as oceanography, marine biology, meteorology, environmental science, engineering, geomatics, or supporting social sciences.
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✓Minimum 3.2 cumulative GPAYou need at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale overall and in your major, and you must maintain that standard each term while funded.
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✓Full-time enrollment while fundedScholars stay eligible only while enrolled full time in credit-bearing courses that earn quality points. Cooperative education terms that drop you below full-time status can affect stipends.
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✓Availability for NOAA internships and orientationAwarded students complete a two-week orientation at NOAA headquarters, two summer internships at NOAA facilities, symposium travel, and possible conference presentations.
Benefits
- Academic year stipend Up to $9,500 per year for two years
- Summer NOAA internships Two 10-week placements at $700/week
- Internship housing $300/week subsidy when not at home
- Travel and symposium Round-trip internship travel plus NOAA symposium
- Professional conferences Travel to present internship results
- Full tuition guarantee Stipend only; not a full ride
Document checklist
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✓NOAA undergraduate scholarship applicationComplete the shared EPP/Hollings online application when NOAA opens it. Hard-copy forms are available only if you lack internet access by contacting NOAA Office of Education.
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✓Official transcriptsUpload transcripts showing sophomore or transfer-junior status and at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA in all completed undergraduate work and in your major.
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✓HSI verification letter if applicableStudents at Hispanic Serving Institutions must submit an official letter from the institution confirming DOE recognition as an HSI during the application year.
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✓Essays on academic and career interestsThe application asks you to explain coursework, NOAA-related goals, and how the scholarship supports a federal STEM career path. Answer every prompt in the live form.
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✓Two letters of recommendationProfessors or mentors who can speak to your academic performance, research potential, and fit for NOAA internships should submit letters through the portal before the deadline.
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✓Resume or activities listSummarize research, jobs, clubs, and community work that shows leadership and commitment to NOAA mission fields.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program?
It is NOAA's Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions Undergraduate Scholarship Program (USP). The award trains MSI students for NOAA-related STEM and social science careers through stipends, internships, and professional development.
Is the EPP/MSI scholarship only for Alaska students?
No. Eligibility depends on attending an accredited minority-serving institution anywhere in the United States or U.S. territories, not on Alaska residency. Any Alaska student qualifies only if their college meets MSI status.
How much is the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship worth?
NOAA provides up to $9,500 per academic year for two years of full-time study, plus two paid 10-week summer internships at $700 per week, housing subsidies, travel, symposium participation, and conference travel for presenting internship results.
What GPA do I need for the EPP/MSI USP scholarship?
Applicants need at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate courses and in their major. Scholars must maintain that minimum each term while funded.
When is the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship deadline?
The shared NOAA undergraduate application typically closes January 31 at 11:59 PM Eastern each year. NOAA paused the 2026 EPP class, so verify on noaa.gov that the 2027 cycle is accepting EPP applications before you submit.
Can community college students apply for EPP/MSI?
Yes, if you will transfer to a four-year MSI as a full-time junior in the fall after the application period and your credits qualify you for junior standing.
How is the EPP/MSI scholarship different from Hollings?
Both use the same application portal, but EPP/MSI requires enrollment at a minority-serving institution, while Hollings serves sophomores at any accredited U.S. college or university in NOAA fields. You may apply for only one NOAA undergraduate scholarship per cycle.
Who do I contact about the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship?
Email NOAA Office of Education EPP/MSI at [email protected] or call (301) 628-2913. Official eligibility details and FAQs live on noaa.gov/office-education/epp-msi/undergraduate-scholarship.
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