Marc Hershman Marine Policy Fellowship
Guidelines for 2008 Applications
The Marc Hershman Marine Policy Fellowship provides unique educational experiences for graduate students or recent graduates engaged in studies pertaining to ocean and coastal policy issues. This nine-month paid fellowship program places two highly motivated, qualified individuals with Washington State Ocean Caucus agencies in Olympia. In addition to Washington Sea Grant, current members of the State Ocean Caucus include: the Governor’s office; Department of Ecology; Department of Fish and Wildlife; Department of Natural Resources; Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development; Department of Health; State Parks and Recreation Commission; and Military Department Emergency Management Division. The fellowship offers students first-hand experiences in crafting marine and natural resource policies and allows them to share their academic expertise with decision makers in the state capital.
Eligibility: Individuals who are graduate students enrolled at Washington universities or who have graduated in the calendar year the fellowship begins may apply. Applicants should be pursuing or have a degree in a marine-related field, including policy, law, social sciences, oceanography and fishery sciences. They must also demonstrate a strong interest and some experience in marine science and public policy.
Award: Each fellow will receive an award of $30,000. This sum provides a monthly stipend for nine months and a small allowance for health insurance and travel expenses.
Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. PST, April 30, 2008
Fellowship Dates: October 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009
Application Requirements:
- Personal and academic curriculum vitae (not more than two pages)
- Personal education and career goal statement (1000 words or less) emphasizing applicant’s interest in, contribution to and expectations from the Fellowship
- Two letters of recommendation — one from the applicant’s major professor and one from someone familiar with the applicant’s abilities
- Copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Fellowship Selection and Placement Process:
- Applications should be submitted electronically or by mail to:
Marc Hershman Marine Policy Fellowship
Washington Sea Grant
3716 Brooklyn Avenue, NE
Seattle, WA 98105-6716
sgfellow@u.washington.edu
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Washington Sea Grant will forward applications to representatives from Washington State Ocean Caucus agencies for review and ranking, leading to the selection of up to six prospective candidates as finalists. Evaluation criteria are as follows:
- Applicant academic record and employment history, including applicability to the fellowship
- Contribution of the fellowship to career goals of applicant
- Letters of recommendation
- Applicant personal skills, including initiative and communications
- Community and extracurricular activities
The Hershman Fellowship Review Panel, convened by Washington Sea Grant, will interview finalists and select two as Fellows. All applicants will be notified by May 30, 2008, regarding the outcome of the selection process.
- Selected Fellows will interview with potential Washington State Ocean Caucus hosts to determine placement. After host interviews, Washington Sea Grant will facilitate Fellow placement, working with Fellows and Hosts to meet their requests. Fellows will be notified of their placements by June 30, 2008.
For additional information, please visit our Web site:
or contact:
- Nancy Reichley, Education Specialist, 206.685.8302, sgfellow@u.washington.edu