Overview
The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program offers a unique educational experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources, and in national policies that affect those resources. Successful applicants are matched with hosts in the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government for a one-year paid fellowship in the Washington D.C. area. The program is sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program. Washington Sea Grant may nominate up to six fellows to be considered by the National Sea Grant office.
2027 Fellowship Eligibility
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(1) The student is a U.S. Citizen (born or naturalized), a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or a dual national with at least one citizenship as the U.S.;
(2) The student is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the onset of the 2025 Fall Term (quarter, trimester, semester, etc.) and June 3, 2026;
(3) The graduate degree will be awarded through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories, and;
(4) The student has an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.
- WSG fellowship programs do not consider personal identity factors in evaluation or selection. At the same time, we recognize that historic barriers have limited access for many communities. Our programs are committed to creating supportive, and welcoming experiences that help all eligible applicants thrive, and we warmly encourage everyone to apply.
Other Factors Affecting Eligibility
- The one-year fellowship will take place in the National Capital Region. Student applicants must be prepared to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area.
- Student applicants who are dual citizens, please note: while this fellowship is open to dual citizens, a significant number of participating federal host offices are unable to accept dual citizens as fellows. This may reduce the number of placement opportunities available to dual citizens. Note: Dual citizens are eligible for both the Executive and Legislative cohorts.
- Student 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. • Student applicants who have been accepted as national finalists and/or become fellows are not eligible to apply again without the written permission of the NSGO Fellowships Manager, which will only be granted in response to exceptional life events. A national finalist is defined as a student applicant who goes through the review process and is selected at the national level for the fellowship program. If alternates are selected, they are eligible for re-application if they withdraw prior to accepting a finalist position or are not offered a finalist position and would otherwise still be eligible to apply. Student applicants are considered finalists until they are paired with a host office during the placement process.
How to Apply
- All prospective Knauss fellows must submit an application through their home state Sea Grant program (e.g. Washington Sea Grant)
- For Washington state-based students, you must submit your application to Washington Sea Grant via the online submission system, eSeaGrant (esg.wsg.washington.edu)
- In eSeaGrant you will upload PDF’s of each of the required application elements and submit requests for your referees to upload their letters of recommendation directly into eSeaGrant. Additional instructions for applying using eSeaGrant are available here.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the WSG Fellowships Team at sgfellow@uw.edu with any questions.
The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran. This policy applies to all programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, employment, and patient and hospital services. Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action. Discrimination is prohibited by Washington State Gubernatorial Executive Orders 89-01 and 93-07, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Washington State Law Against Discrimination RCW 49.60, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, State of Washington Gender Equity in Higher Education Act of 1989, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972 as amended, other federal and state statutes, regulations, and University policy. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action compliance efforts at the University of Washington are coordinated by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, University of Washington, 4320 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle WA 98195-4969, Box 354960, telephone(206) 543-3392 or email eoaa@uw.edu.
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or dso@uw.edu.