Knauss Graduate Policy Fellowships

The deadline for 2026 Fellowship applications was February 19, 2025.

Overview

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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.

          Reflections of a Knauss Fellow

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. A student must be enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the onset of the 2024 Fall Term (quarter, trimester, semester, etc.) and February 19, 2025;
   2. The student’s graduate degree program must be through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories;
   3. Students are eligible regardless of nationality; domestic and international students at accredited U.S. institutions may apply; and
   4. Applicants must have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.

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 2026 Fellowship application is 5:00 pm CST on February 19, 2025. 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 2025, summer 2025, and fall 2025.
   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. A signed letter of recommendation from the state Sea Grant director.
   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 2026 Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Student Guide.

Evaluation

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

• 75 percent – Relevant experience related to education; extra-curricular activities; and interpersonal, written and oral communication skills and other applicable competencies. (see 2026 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.

Important Dates:

• February 19, 2025: Submission deadline for student applications.
• April 7, 2025: Applicant interviews with the Executive Director of Louisiana Sea Grant.

Knauss Alumni: Where Are They Now?