Federal Agency Name(s): Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National Sea Grant College Program (SG)
Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2026 Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-OAR-SG-2026-29505
Deadline: The deadline for application to California Sea Grant is February 19, 2025 5:00PM Pacific Standard Time.
Funding Opportunity Description:
The National Sea Grant College Program was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1966 (amended in 2020, Public Law 116-221) to support leveraged federal and state partnerships that harness the intellectual capacity of the nation’s universities and research institutions to solve problems and generate opportunities in coastal communities.
This notice announces that applications may be submitted for the 2026 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship Program). The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) anticipates funding not less than 35 applicants, of which approximately 17 will be assigned to the Legislative branch.
Application packages will each propose a total of $95,600 in funding (See “Stipend And Expenses” for more details).
Applicants eligible to apply through California Sea Grant should carefully review the online resources for the 2026 Knauss Fellowship and reach out to the program ([email protected]) or attend office hours if you have questions. Following student application submission, the student should allow sufficient time to schedule an interview with the eligible Sea Grant program at the program’s request.
RESOURCES
The National Sea Grant Office Resources
- Website with Information for Prospective Applicants
- Knauss Fellowship Overview
- 2026 Knauss Fellowship Student Guide - detailed guidance on eligibility, important dates, award information, where to apply, and application materials
- Student Applicant Guide to Sea Grant Fellowships - advice and tips on different aspects of a fellowship package.
- Knauss Fellowship Blog
- Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship Recruitment Video
For more detailed information about host offerings, applications, selection and placement process in Washington DC, please visit the National Sea Grant College Program Knauss Fellowship Program public website and view the 2025 Executive host fellowship positions for reference only (2025 Legislative host fellowship positions list will be updated and linked when available).
California Sea Grant Resources
- California Sea Grant National Fellowships Application Workshop: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 2:00 - 3:30PM PT
- California Sea Grant will be hosting a workshop to support applicants in developing competitive application materials for national fellowships associated with California Sea Grant (e.g., 2026 Knauss Fellowship, 2025-2027 Coastal Management/Digital Coast Fellowship, 2024 NMFS-SG Fellowship). Register for the workshop here.
- 2026 Knauss Informational Webinar:
- Check back here after Friday, December 13, 2024 for a pre-recorded Informational Webinar.
- Office Hours: Thursday, January 16 & Friday, January 17, 2025 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM PST.
- If you still have questions after watching the pre-recorded Informational Webinar above, and attending the Application Workshop, California Sea Grant will be hosting office hours to answer any questions you may have. To schedule a time to chat, visit the booking page here.
ELIGIBILITY
The following entities are eligible to submit to this opportunity:
Any student, regardless of citizenship, is eligible to submit to this opportunity if:
- The student is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the onset of the 2024 Fall Term (quarter, trimester, semester, etc.) and February 19, 2025;
- The graduate degree will be awarded through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories, and;
- The student has an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.
Application submission is through an application to the Sea Grant program in the state in which the student is earning their degree. If there is no Sea Grant program, a Sea Grant program will be assigned by the Knauss Fellowship Program Manager. A written statement from the National Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship Program Manager referring the applicant to the most appropriate eligible Sea Grant program will be provided to the applicant and must be submitted to the State Sea Grant program through which they are applying. Applicants whose state does not have a Sea Grant program should contact the National Sea Grant Office by e-mail ([email protected]) or phone (240-507-3712).
The National Sea Grant College Program champions recruiting, retaining and preparing a dynamic workforce, and proactively engaging and serving the populations of coastal communities. Sea Grant is committed to building research, extension, communication and education programs that serve people with unique backgrounds, circumstances, needs, perspectives and ways of thinking.
Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility
- The one year fellowship will take place in the National Capital Region. Applicants must be prepared to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa to allow them to work in the Washington, D.C. area during the fellowship period.
- Foreign nationals, dual citizens, and permanent residents please note: while this fellowship is open to all eligible students regardless of nationality, a significant number of participating federal host offices are unable to accept foreign nationals, dual citizens and permanent residents as fellows. This may significantly reduce the number of placement opportunities available to foreign nationals. While more offices are able to host dual citizens, there may be restrictions. Note: Foreign nationals are eligible for both the Executive and Legislative cohort.
- Applicants must be able to pass a federal background security check.
- Prior contact/arrangements made with possible host offices before the start of the placement week will be cause for immediate disqualification from the process.
For additional notes on eligibility, please visit the 2026 Knauss Fellowship Student Guide.