Student Opportunities

Program 2019 Student Volunteer Justin Condry (right) and Student Program Leader Carl Barnes (left) after Justin's end of summer research presentation.

The National Weather Service Office in Newport/Morehead City, NC offers both summer internship opportunities (unpaid), designed for college students. In addition we offer job shadows, designed for those in either middle/high school or college. Paid opportunities also exist. Please read more below to see what is a best fit for you. If you have any questions, please contact:

wxobs.mhx@noaa.gov

For more information on student and full time employment within the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), go to the NOAA Jobs Page at https://www.noaa.gov/jobs.html

TIER 1 - Paid Employment

What was formally known as Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) or Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) has been replaced by the Internship Program. Go here: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/oeodm/eeo/studentresearchopportunities.php for a general overview of what is offered. Refer to the links below for more specifics on the various programs.

1. The Internship Program

The Internship Program replaces the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). This Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. Additional information about the Internship Program can be found here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/#url=Program-Fact-Sheets

2. NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings (Hollings) scholarship program is designed to:

increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education and foster multidisciplinary training opportunities;
increase public understanding and support for stewardship of the ocean and atmosphere and improve environmental literacy;
recruit and prepare students for public service careers with NOAA and other natural resource and science agencies at the federal, state and local levels of government; and
recruit and prepare students for careers as teachers and educators in oceanic and atmospheric science and to improve scientific and environmental education in the United States.

The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to a maximum of $8,000 per year) for full-time study during the 9-month academic year; a 10-week, full-time internship position ($650/week) during the summer at a NOAA facility; and, if reappointed, academic assistance (up to a maximum of $8,000) for full-time study during a second 9-month academic year. The internship between the first and second years of the award provides the Scholars with "hands-on"/ practical educational training experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. Awards also include travel funds to attend a mandatory NOAA Scholarship Program orientation, conferences where students present a paper or poster, and a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship.

Go here: https://www.oesd.noaa.gov/scholarships/hollings.html#page=timeline for more information on the program.

3. Student Opportunities In NOAA

The Student Opportunities website is designed to provide information about educational opportunities that are available throughout NOAA. Information on scholarships, internships and fellowships including a brief description of each program; application deadline; award amount; dates of opportunity; contact name, telephone number, and e-mail address; and website for the various opportunities are found on this site.

The Special Opportunities section contains student opportunities categorized by geographic location, underrepresented communities and opportunities specific to students with disabilities.

Go here: https://www.education.noaa.gov/Special_Topics/Student_Opportunities.php#page=page-1 for more information on the various opportunties.

TIER 2 - Student Volunteer

The National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City, NC Student Volunteer Program is designed for college students majoring in meteorology, atmospheric science, or hydrology. Most summers, we will accept applications throughout the year but know that we usually have a deadline each year sometime in March, and we usually pick qualified candidates by early to mid-April.

A complete overview of the the Student Volunteer Program, including instructions on how to apply, can be found here.

TIER 3 - Job Shadow

National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City's job shadow program consists of 3 levels.

LEVEL 1

This level is intended for pre-college students (any grade level prior to college) interested in meteorology as a possible career. The student spends 2-4 hours with a WFO MHX meteorologist observing the forecast process, and discussing National Weather Service career opportunities.

LEVEL 2

This level is intended for freshman and sophomores enrolled in a university meteorology, atmospheric science, or hydrology program, or a student in any other math or science program who is considering meteorology/atmospheric science, or hydrology for future study. The student will spend 6-8 hours at NWS MHX, observing the full range of WFO operations. The student will spend time with each of the duty staff members, observing them prepare and disseminate various forecast products. The student will also meet with members of the WFO MHX management team to further discuss future career and study options.

LEVEL 3

This level is intended for juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in a university meteorology, atmospheric science, or hydrology program. The program is similar to Level 2, however it is expanded to up to 3 days at the WFO. The expanded time is intended to give the student a more comprehensive understanding of what it is like to work at a National Weather Service field office. Prior participation in a Level 1 or 2 job shadow is permitted but not a requirement.

Please use the links below to navigate through the different programs in our outreach program.