Washington Sea Grant Hershman Fellowship

Host Office Application Information

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 elements: 

1. 1. Host Organization Information:  Provide your organizations the name and address (where fellow’s office space would be located)
   2. Mentor and co-mentor Information: Provide the name, title, and contact information for the individual who would serve as the fellow’s primary mentor and supervisor. This individual will take the lead on fellow onboarding, supervision of work, and will provide essential fellowship related mentorship (coaching, professional development. Additionally, provide the name, title and contact information for any other key fellowship co-mentors. 
   3. Project Title: Provide a brief and descriptive fellowship project title (10 words max)
   4. Project description (two pages max): 
      • Project overview including any specific tasks, timelines, partners or major project components. Projects should be specific however, it is ok to include descriptions of more than one potential project if applicable*. 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. *Please note that some former fellows have felt that their host organization provided too many options/possibilities and a lack of clear direction or well defined project goals presented challenges. 
      • Mentorship, Professional Development and Networking: Describe the key mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities that will be available to the fellow through your organization or external partners
   5. Organizational Values: Describe how your organization, program, or department works to create a welcoming environment for all and what practices you put in place to broaden participation in marine and coastal professions by individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
   6. Level of financial support: How much of the cost of hosting a fellow will your organization be able to provide? Hosts are required to provide at least $68,500 of the $75,000 total cost of the 12-month fellowship (stipend, benefits stipend, tax stipend, professional development funds and WSG program support)*. Details below.
   7. Onboarding and Workplace considerations
      • Where will the fellow be working (in office, remote, hybrid)?
      • Please confirm that a workspace and equipment (laptop, software, etc.) will be made available for the fellow’s use.
      • Travel and Transportation: Describe the types of travel the fellow will need to participate in (site visits, field world, off sites, etc.) including (1) whether the fellow will need access to a personal vehicle (2) whether agency motor pool vehicles will be available for the fellow’s use, and (3) whether the fellow will need any specific licensing or certification to operate special vehicles or machinery. 
      • Briefly describe any onboarding or training that will be provided to the fellow.
      • Briefly describe how the fellow will receive performance feedback.
      • Please indicate whether the fellow will require any additional background checks or security clearances and whether these may affect a fellow’s ability to start work on time.

Please review the Fellowship Handbook before submitting your host application. While the main audience of the handbook is fellows, it’s helpful for prospective hosts to be familiar with the expectations and policies conveyed there.

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.

Review the timeline at the top of this webpage for key dates.

*see exception for first time hosts (not available in 2025)

Fellow Selection