Host Office Application Information

HOST APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 8, 2024

The WSG Hershman Fellowship program welcomes participation by state, tribal and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations based in Washington State. Host offices with programs that address coastal or marine issues through natural and social science research, local and traditional knowledge, policy, management, environmental justice, and/or equity-centered work are encouraged to participate. Interested host offices are invited to submit an application to WSG.

WSG Hershman Fellows are teamed with mentors in a host office for one year, working on ocean and coastal science and management issues. Prospective hosts are expected to supervise and provide opportunities for fellows to be involved in substantive issues that support their professional and educational goals. The experience provides fellows with a unique perspective on creating marine policy and allows them to share their academic expertise with their host offices. Fellows are expected to work full-time, on site and with other staff or leadership, as appropriate.

Host application must include the following five elements:

1. Host organization or agency location and contact information.
2. Name, title, and contact information for the fellowship mentor/supervisor(s).
3. A brief and descriptive project title (10 words max)
4. Position description (not to exceed two pages, singled-spaced). If selected as a participating host, this description will be made available as submitted to prospective fellowship applicants. Should include:
   • A short and descriptive title for your fellowship project
   • Name and title of the fellowship mentor and other key staff who will work with the fellow
   • Project overview including any specific tasks or major project components. Projects should be specific however, it is ok to include descriptions of multiple potential projects if applicable and for all projects we encourage you to build in some amount of flexibility to align project activities with your fellow’s individual skills and interests
   • Key mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities that will be available to the fellow through your organization or external partners
5. Agency or organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility statement (or similar).
   • If your organization does not have an official DEI statement (or similar) please share, in your own words, how your organization, program or department works to create an inclusive work space that promotes cultural competency and a welcoming environment for all, including individuals who are demographically underrepresented in your sector or office.
   • The DEI statement will not be counted toward the two-page limit for the position description. Please provide this as an additional attachment.
   • We include this requirement as part of the application because we encourage our host office partners to consider these principles as part of participating in this fellowship program.
6. Level of financial support. Hosts are required to provide at least $65,000 of the $75,000 that represents the entire cost of the 12-month fellowship (stipend, benefits stipend, tax stipend, professional development funds and WSG program support)*. Details below.

Please submit host applications to sgfellow@uw.edu .

Acceptance of a host application will be based on the following criteria:

• The perceived quality of the fellowship project and mentorship opportunity.
• The level of educational and professional development benefit for the fellow.
• Alignment of project with WSG goals and values including:
  • promotion of science-based solutions to marine and coastal issues;
  • partnerships that value and engage the priorities, expertise, capabilities, and participation of diverse partners;
  • culture of inclusion, accessibility, respect, long-term engagement and accountability;
  • perceived existence of inclusive work space environments that promote cultural competency and is welcoming to demographically diverse individuals.
• The level of financial commitment.

WSG will review applications and notify hosts regarding their acceptance by March 30.

*see exception for first time hosts

Fellow Selection