One NOAA cohort unites Boulder interns in leadership and outreach
The 2025 “One NOAA” Student Internship Program in Boulder, Colorado, pioneered a collaborative early career development model by unifying interns from across NOAA offices into a single, cohesive cohort. Thirty-six undergraduate and graduate interns from the National Weather Service, the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, and NOAA Research took on interdisciplinary technical projects. They also gained leadership experience through a capstone partnership with the Gordon Family Giving Foundation, a local organization dedicated to providing opportunities for young students in STEM fields. This cohort managed outreach logistics, led laboratory tours, and conducted speed-mentoring sessions that translated complex Earth system science into tangible career paths for local young students. By connecting interns working in different NOAA offices, the program established a collaborative framework for developing versatile, enthusiastic scientists in training.
Hollings program charts a nationwide course for future NOAA scientists and leaders
The NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program continues to strengthen the agency’s scholar-to-career pipeline by training the next generation of scientists and leaders. Since its 2005 inception, the program has supported 2,439 scholars from more than 400 campuses across all U.S. states, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., including 383 scholars at 123 campuses in fiscal year 2025. By offering financial assistance, academic mentorship, and professional exposure through hands-on internships alongside NOAA professionals, the program provides students with the training needed to directly support NOAA’s mission.
Educational Partnership Program cultivates a nationwide talent pool for STEM leadership
The NOAA Jose E. Serrano Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP) strengthens the nation’s scientific leadership by cultivating talent for an innovative and highly skilled workforce. Since 2001, the program has supported 4,736 students, with 2,705 students awarded 2,869 degrees from more than 45 academic institutions across 30 U.S. states, D.C., and U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands). Through scholarships, mentorship, internships, and coaching, EPP supports education and research aligned with NOAA’s mission. By maintaining established partnerships and creating new engagement with industry, the program ensures broad engagement to address complex challenges in communities and the nation.
Investing in future scientists — from the field to the thesis defense
A NOAA Lapenta intern within the Climate Program Office’s Earth System Science and Modeling (ESSM) Division evaluated how over $50 million in grant funding supports early-career immersion in field operations. Since 2019, ESSM investments have enabled student participation in five major campaigns, including studying wildfires, urban air quality, and ocean-atmosphere interactions. These opportunities provided support for 13 undergraduates, 60 graduate students, and 19 postdoctoral scholars. This analysis brings NOAA’s mission full circle: while ESSM grants continue to have a wide impact in training students, it was a NOAA-supported Lapenta intern who conducted this study, showcasing how both programs simultaneously prepare students for the future workforce.