Am I eligible to apply for the Graduate Sciences Program (GSP)?
To be eligible to apply for the Graduate Sciences Program, at the time of application you must:
- be a U.S. citizen;
- be currently enrolled as either a full-time student in an undergraduate program and be graduating in the Spring term or as a full-time student in a graduate program at an accredited college or university within the United States or U.S. territories. The undergraduate degree must be in the NOAA sciences, including but not limited to, biology, chemistry, physics, physical science, geology, geography, mathematics, law, social science, environmental science or engineering with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all undergraduate courses;
- have a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on other identified scale) in all completed undergraduate and graduate courses each semester or quarter, as well as cumulatively and in your major field of study. The grade point average requirement applies to every semester or quarter, cumulative, and in your major field of study prior to and at the time of application for a scholarship, for the period between application and award notification, and after award distribution;
- at the graduate level, have declared a major in a discipline including, but not limited to, oceanic, environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing technology, physical and social sciences including geography, physics, hydrology, or geomatics that support NOAA's programs and missions; and,
- progressed in coursework such that required course work and assignments for targeted position must be completed within two years for a Master’s degree and four years for a PhD.
If I receive another scholarship from NOAA, am I still eligible to participate in the Graduate Sciences Program?
No. GSP participants become federal employees at NOAA and are, therefore, ineligible to receive any federal funds outside of the GSP.
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How do I apply for the Graduate Sciences Program?
To apply for the GSP, applicants can download an application, application instructions, and reference forms at:
http://www.epp.noaa.gov/ssp_grad_sciences_page.html.
The application is available annually September through January. If applicants do not have Internet access, hard-copy applications can be requested by contacting: NOAA Office of Education Graduate Sciences Program SSMC3, Room 10703, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
What must I submit to apply?
Applicants are required to submit ALL of the following items for an application to be deemed complete and eligible:
- a completed application form;
- essay on "How Your Course of Study will Benefit or Complement NOAA’s Mission";
- statement of the applicant’s academic and career goals;
- letter of Acceptance to an Accredited Graduate School/University; a List of Graduate Schools/Universities to which you have applied for admission for Fall 2012; OR Certification of Enrollment as a full-time student at your current Graduate School;
- Unofficial college transcript(s) (one for each institution attended sent to NOAA by the institution);
- three references one from your academic advisor and two from individuals who know you in a professional capacity; and a,
- list of current and planned courses.
Where do I submit the application?
Mail completed applications to:
NOAA Office of Education
Graduate Sciences Program
1315 East West Highway, Room 10703
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Applications and unofficial transcripts may also be submitted electronically to:
gsp@noaa.gov. However references must be mailed to the address above and received by 11:59pm EST on January 31, 2010 or e-mail by the person writing the recommendation..
Where do I check to make sure NOAA has received my complete application package?
Contact
gsp@noaa.gov with all inquiries regarding application packages.
What if I miss the deadline date?
The Office of Education (OED), Educational Partnership Program (EPP) will not review applications or supporting materials received after the deadline date. Applications and materials received after January 31, 2012, will be deemed ineligible.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the application or GSP?
If applicants have questions about the application or need additional information please contact Dr. Chantell Haskins at (301) 713-9437 x150 or
gsp@noaa.gov. Please identify the program name when requesting information.
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How are GSP applicants selected for positions within NOAA?
Applications for the GSP are distributed to NOAA managers in organizations that have identified a potential position. Those organizations may or may not conduct phone interviews or travel the applicant to their office for interviews when trying to match a GSP applicant to the vacant position.
The final selection of the Graduate Scientists is made by NOAA/OED based on academic records, statement of career interests and goals, and compatibility of the applicant’s background with the interests of NOAA. The NOAA organizations submit their ranked list of selected applicants for the positions identified to the NOAA OED/EPP. Successful candidates become full-time employees upon completion of their training program.
A successful candidate selected for a position will be contacted by NOAA indicating the position title and geographic location of the position. The successful candidate is requested to determine if he/she is interested in the position that has been offered at that time or within 5 days of receiving notification.
When will I be notified with a decision?
The deadline for receipt of applications is January 31, 2012. Successful applicants are notified between April and July 2012. Unsuccessful applicants are notified by e-mail at the end of September 2012.
How will my NOAA advisor/supervisor be assigned?
The NOAA advisor and supervisor is identified at the time of notification of the job offer.
Does my experience working with NOAA as an intern or lab assistant increase my chances of being selected? If not, what can I do?
No. However, your internship or prior work experience provides you with knowledge of NOAA which can be used in developing your essays.
How many scholarship recipients are selected?
Approximately 5 GSP participants are selected each year
- In 2000, 5 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2001, 6 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2002, 5 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2003, 3 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2004, 5 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2005, 2 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2006, 6 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2007, 7 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2008, 3 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2009, 9 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2010, 6 GSP participants were hired.
- In 2011, 0 GSP participants were hired.
How many applications does NOAA usually receive?
NOAA receives an average of 60 applications per year.
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What happens once I am selected as a GSP?
Successful candidates will be notified by phone and/or email by NOAA Workforce Management Office (WMO). The WMO representative will confirm the candidate’s acceptance of the job offer. The WMO representative will verify your email account and mail the candidate a number of forms to be completed and returned at the swearing-in ceremony.
All GSP participants selected prior to May 2012 must participate in a one-week mandatory orientation program at the NOAA Silver Spring Metro Center Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland, during the last week of May. All participants are also required to attend the one-day NOAA new employee orientation where the participant will be sworn in as a Federal employee and meet with the GSP manager. All forms provided by WMO should be completed and brought to the swearing-in ceremony. NOAA will travel the participant to and from the orientations. Participants are also required to visit their organization for 2-3 days to meet their NOAA advisor to discuss the position for which they have been hired, performance requirements, research schedule, and to understand their work environment.
The NOAA support contractor coordinates travel and hotel arrangements for the one-week mandatory Orientation Program held at the NOAA Auditorium in Silver Spring, Maryland. All flights arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the Sunday and Monday prior to the start of the orientation program. NOAA provides bus transportation on Sunday and Monday from the airport to hotels in Silver Spring, Maryland. NOAA pays for all pre-approved costs associated with the GSP participant’s travel. Pre-approved taxi and metro fares are reimbursed when accompanied by the appropriate paperwork and receipts. A recipient who chooses to drive a personal vehicle to Silver Spring, Maryland, after receiving prior approval from NOAA will be reimbursed up to the cost of a round-trip airline ticket. Recipients are encouraged not to drive due to limited parking in Silver Spring, MD.
Bus transportation will be provided on the Saturday from the hotels to the airport after the orientation program concludes. The bus schedule will be provided in the welcome package each recipient receives prior to their arrival in Silver Spring.
The NOAA support contractor or NOAA will also coordinate travel and hotel arrangements for the swearing-in ceremony. The Swearing-in ceremony takes place on every other Monday.
What is the purpose of the orientation?
NOAA provides student scholars the opportunity to learn about the agency, meet senior managers, and understand the mission of the agency. NOAA organizations and selected staff offices present their research programs activities during the mandatory orientation program. In addition, NOAA organizations describe the types of projects that are/may be available for the summer internships.
During the mandatory orientation program, NOAA program staff presents more detailed information about the student scholarship programs including finding a summer internship, selecting a NOAA mentor, travel procedures, student scholar’s and NOAA mentor’s responsibilities, stipend payments, and meeting the administrative support contractor. Tours of NOAA facilities will be provided.
After the swearing-in ceremony, GSP participants obtain NOAA ID badges and meet with the GSP manager to review the Program Policy, sign the Continuity in Service Agreement, and receive NOAA E-mail accounts (which will be used for all official electronic communication between the GSP participant and NOAA after orientation).
After the Orientation, the GSP participants travel to their NOAA organization to meet with their supervisor and colleagues and have the opportunity to understand housing and transportation needs during the annual 16 week required training period.
What happens if I miss the orientation?
Successful applicants who miss the orientation will be invited to attend the orientation the following year. However, all successful candidates must attend a swearing-in ceremony to be a GSP participant. Every effort is made to have all GSP participants sworn in on the same day, and to give GSP participants the opportunity to meet their colleagues and the GSP Program Manager.
What is the dress code for the orientation program?
During the orientation program GSP participants are required to dress in business casual attire. There are photo opportunities with NOAA senior staff that may appear on NOAA websites, in video clips and print media, brochures, etc. Examples of business casual attire include:
| For Males: |
For Females:
|
| Sports jackets |
Suits |
| Slacks (dress and Khaki) |
Skirts, slacks and blouses |
| Shirts with collars |
Sweaters |
| Ties |
Dresses |
The dress code on tours is casual (sneakers, jeans, t-shirts, etc).
At no time are cut-off jeans, shirts or blouses displaying midriffs, micro/mini skirts or flip flops appropriate.
When will I start receiving financial benefits?
GSP participants begin to receive tuition, housing, and other program benefits at the start of the Fall 2012 academic year.
What if I am not selected until September or October – when will I begin receiving financial benefits?
GSP participants who are selected after the start of the Fall 2012 academic year will be eligible to receive benefits once as they are sworn into Federal service.
How does NOAA ensure students are enrolled full-time at a university?
At the start of each term GSP participants are required to submit their course schedule and university issued certification of enrollment to NOAA and the support contractor to ensure full-time status.
Can I transfer to another University after I enter the GSP?
Yes, if a GSP participant transfers to another university, NOAA and the support contractor must be notified in writing prior to the transfer to obtain approval for continued participation. If a GSP transfers to another university, their degree must still be completed within 2 years for a Masters and 4 years for a PhD from the time of the swearing-in ceremony.
What if I am selected and my research area does not match NOAA – will I be required to change my research?
Each GSP is selected for the program based on his/her area of research in relation to the NOAA sciences. Each GSP participant is required to have a NOAA employee serve as a member of his/her thesis/dissertation committee. Therefore, the GSP will be matched with a NOAA employee who is experienced with the participant’s area of research.
What happens if I don’t complete my degree when planned?
The established training period may be extended up to a maximum of one year (in six month intervals) after consultation with the GSP Manager and upon the recommendation of the NOAA supervisor and academic advisor to allow for extenuating circumstances (i.e. family or personal medical emergencies they require extended absence from school and/or suspension of research work). The decision to amend a training plan will be made only after taking into consideration the trainee’s current program progress and ability to progress at an accelerated pace.
Every quarter, the GSP participant is required to submit a Quarterly Report summarizing their progress towards degree completion and a timeline. Any anticipated extension to the training period need to be documented through the Quarterly Reports.
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Will I be paid for attending orientation?
GSP participants do not receive a salary for attending the orientation unless they have already been sworn in to Federal service. However, all approved travel costs are included for the orientation. GSP participants will receive per diem to cover meals during the orientation travel.
Are my GSP benefits subject to taxes?
NOAA recommends that all GSP participants contact a tax professional to determine tax obligations of the program benefits.
What is the process of obtaining a NOAA ID Badge?
The NOAA ID Badge is required to enter all NOAA facilities. Therefore, scholarship recipients must adhere to Federal Security Procedures to obtain a NOAA ID Badge. This includes:
Complete the applicant TRAINING located at:
http://www.osec.doc.gov/osy/HSPD-12/Applicants.html.
Enter your full legal name and contact information - use your NOAA EMAIL account for email address.
Under Status with the Department of Commerce, select "I am an employee"
For Duty Station – your Duty station will be provided to you at the time of notification of acceptance to the program
For Bureau/Office, select "NOAA"
Under Sponsor information, enter the following:
Sponsor's First Name: Chantell
Sponsor's Last Name: Haskins
Sponsor's email: Chantell.Haskins@noaa.gov
Sponsor's phone number: (301) 713-9437
Click "NEXT" to complete the Training,
Do not hit “submit” until you print the certificate indicating course completion. Once you hit "submit" you cannot go back to print the certificate. Therefore, be sure to print the certificate first.
Push the "submit" button - if the training has been successfully completed, users will be directed to the Department of Commerce security homepage, indicating that this portion is complete.
Complete the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Request Form (Form CD-591), answering questions 5 through 9. Do not fill in any other questions on this form. This form will be provided during the swearing-in ceremony.
Complete the Declaration for Federal Employment (Form 306), sign as an applicant. This form will be provided during the swearing-in ceremony.
Complete the Name and Social Security Number fields on the Request for Security Services Form (Form 65-8). This form will be provided during the swearing-in ceremony.
Make a photocopy of two forms of picture identification such as your driver's license, passport and/or college ID card.
Compile a one page resume.
Bring your resume, the applicant training certificate and the copy of 2 forms of picture ID to the swearing-in ceremony.
During the summer prior to beginning school, what health benefits are available?
As soon as the GSP participant is sworn into Federal Service, they are eligible to enroll in one of the Federal Government’s Health plans. Information about the Federal Employee Health Benefits including plans and costs are available at:
http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/. This information will also be reviewed during the swearing-in ceremony.
May I negotiate salary? How will my pay grade be determined?
Salaries are not negotiable. Students entering the program with a Bachelor’s Degree are hired at the GS-7 level or equivalent. Upon completion of a Master’s degree, participants are promoted to a GS-9 level or equivalent.
Participants entering the program having completed the Master’s degree and/or advanced to candidacy will be hired at the GS-9 level or equivalent. At the completion of the PhD, participants are promoted to a GS-11 level or equivalent.
When will I receive a salary?
GSP Participants receive a salary while in a work-status at their duty station or while on official travel (conferences, field research, etc.)
If do not live on campus, am I eligible for a meal allowance?
Campus housing refers to the place of residence while attending courses full-time and while not in a full-time work status. Therefore, GSP participants who are attending school full-time to complete their coursework requirements are eligible for the meal allowance even if living off campus.
If I am on the quarter system, how will my meal allowance be distributed?
Meal allowances in the amount of $3,000.00 are distributed up to two times per year, once at the start of the Fall term, and the second during January.
My University has an online system for tuition bills and payment. Therefore, there is no paper invoicing. How do I provide an invoice to NOAA for reimbursement?
NOAA provides payment of tuition directly to the University. Electronic invoices may be submitted to the GSP Manager.
How do I pay for books?
Each participant is allowed to purchase books for corresponding course work and research during their training period. Books may be purchased at the campus bookstore, over the internet or from sources other than the campus bookstore. NOAA will reimburse the participant for preapproved purchase of books after receiving proof of purchase. As an alternative, NOAA may purchase books if participants provide the complete book selection information including title, copyright year, edition, and website to the GSP program manager at least two weeks prior to requiring the book.
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Is there a mechanism for NOAA to directly pay my campus housing? Is there a mechanism to pay housing in advance?
NOAA does not directly pay for housing. NOAA authorizes reimbursements to participants from the support contractor. Participants receive a campus housing allowance while attending classes on campus as a full-time student. In order to receive the housing allowance, each month the GSP participant must submit a copy of the front and back of the canceled rent payment check to the GSP Manager for reimbursement. Students are required to submit all housing reimbursement requests to NOAA within 60 days of payment of the housing fee. Housing reimbursement requests received after 60 days will not be honored.
Will NOAA pay for housing if I live with a spouse/roommate?
Participants receive a campus housing allowance while attending classes on campus as a full-time student. To receive this reimbursement ALL participants are required to fax a copy of their Lease Agreement signed by the landlord and participant within two weeks of their enter-on-duty date to EPP. The participant will be reimbursed for an amount up to the average cost of a one (1) Bedroom unit in the local area of their university. Participants who share housing are only eligible to receive reimbursement for the percentage of rent stated on the Lease Agreement equivalent to their percentage of living space.
What is covered in the housing allowance?
As part of the campus housing allowance, participants are eligible to receive reimbursement for utilities costs while attending classes on campus in a full-time student status. Utilities include water, gas, and electricity service when these services are not part of the lease agreement. Participants requesting reimbursement of utilities must provide copies of the utility services which have been billed directly in the participant’s name. Participants who share housing will only receive reimbursement for a percentage of the utilities bills equivalent to their percentage of living space. Cable, internet, telephone, and lawn service are not eligible for the housing allowance.
Are GSP students reimbursed for expenses accrued during the change in locations from school to the duty station and return?
To complete the 640 hour work requirement, participants will travel to their duty station during their winter, spring and summer breaks, all expenses are paid by NOAA.
When will I move to my designated duty station?
Participants will relocate to their duty station upon completion of all coursework. Participants are expected to report to work immediately following the PCS move. NOAA will pay for a one-time permanent change of station (PCS) move for the participant. To begin the PCS process, participants should contact the EPP Administrative Support Staff at least 60 days prior to the expected move date.
Will NOAA pay for the entire cost of my move?
As a student trainee, GSP participants are eligible to receive the following moving expenses: commercial transportation or mileage allowance for the GSP participant and immediate family; per diem en route for the GSP participant; transportation of GSP participant’s household goods; temporary storage of GSP participant’s household goods; and transportation of the GSP participant’s mobile home.
After I complete the GSP and go to work full-time as a NOAA employee, what happens? What is my commitment to NOAA, if any?
Upon completion of the graduate degree, the participant is promoted to a GS-9 level equivalent (Master’s) or a GS-11 level equivalent (Ph.D.). The participant is transferred to their Line Office where they become a full-time employee of their Line Office.
Every GSP participant is required to work for the Federal government for 3 years for every 1 year of financial support received from NOAA. For example, a participant in a 2 year Master’s program would be required to work for 6 years for the Federal government if the participant received financial support from NOAA for the full duration of their program.
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