Knauss Graduate Policy Fellowships

The deadline for 2025 Fellowship applications was February 15, 2024.

Overview

Robert Caplan Feder
2024 Knauss Fellow

The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship provides a unique year-long experience in the legislative or executive branch of the federal government in Washington, D.C. During that year, recipients work on substantive national policy issues related to aquatic resources. Fellowships begin February 1 and run for one calendar year.

What is the Knauss Fellowship? (YouTube video)

Knauss 101 Webinar (YouTube video)
An overview of the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship for prospective applicants.

Eligibility

Any student, regardless of citizenship, is eligible to submit to this opportunity if:

1. 1. The student is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the onset of the 2023 Fall Term (quarter, trimester, semester, etc.) and February 15, 2024;
   2. The graduate degree will be awarded through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories, and;
   3. The student has an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.

Samuel Hudgens
2024 Knauss Fellow

How to Apply

Announcements of the program are distributed in the Fall with applications due to the State Programs in February. Appointments begin February 1 of the following year. The deadline for 2025 Fellowship application is 5:00 pm CST on February 15, 2024. Required application items are listed below:

1. 1. Curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages)
   2. A personal education and career development response (not to exceed 1,530 words)
   3. Relevant coursework and future year plans (not to exceed one page) The student should include a listing of classes and/or plans for spring 2024, summer
      2024, and fall 2024.
   4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have worked with the student, including at least one from a faculty member associated with the student’s current enrollment who has knowledge of the student’s academic and research (when applicable) performance.
   5. Clear digital or scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate student transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
   6. To apply, you will need to create an account on laseagrantdb.org and submit all five requirements.  If you have any questions regarding submission, please contact Katie Lea.

Details about the Fellowship and application process can be found in the 2025 Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Student Guide.

Amanda Kirkland
2024 Knauss Fellow

Evaluation

Evaluation criteria for Knauss Fellowship applications and weighting of the criteria are as follows:

• 75 percent – Relevant experience related to diversity of education; extra-curricular activities; and interpersonal, written and oral communication skills and other applicable competencies. (see 2025 Student Guide for details on sub-section weighting).
• 15 percent – Recommendations and/or endorsements of the student.
• 10 percent – Overall application cohesion.

Program Contact

For detailed application information, visit the NOAA Knauss Fellowship website or contact Matt Bethel.

Knauss Alumni: Where Are They Now?