Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program

The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recognizes outstanding scholarship and encourages independent graduate level research in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology, and related fields including ocean and coastal engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship, cultural anthropology, and resource management disciplines. The program is administered in accordance with the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and aims to support graduate-level students whose research aligns with NOAA's mission and the science priorities of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. The scholarship provides support for outstanding graduate students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars receive support from NOAA throughout their scholarship experience, including mentorship from NOAA staff and opportunities for collaborative experiences. Through hands-on research, policy, and education, the National Marine Sanctuary System provides a classroom away from traditional academic settings, allowing students to experience real-world science in some of the United States' most special underwater treasures. Applicants are evaluated based on multiple criteria including research proposal alignment with NOAA's mission (up to 30 points), financial need documentation (up to 25 points), and quality of letters of recommendation (up to 10 points). The program particularly emphasizes research that supports the science priorities and specific needs assessment of the National Marine Sanctuary System. Scholars become ambassadors for NOAA and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, with the program helping to create pathways to future careers in marine science and conservation. The program is named after Dr. Nancy Foster, a marine biologist known for her science-based conservation of coastal aquatic life who served as head of the National Ocean Service from 1997. The scholarship is funded annually with 1% of the amount appropriated each fiscal year to the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to carry out the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.