We are happy to announce that the NSF SOARS 2026 First-Year Protege Applications are now open until January 20, 2026.
NSF SOARS is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge and career pathways program designed to promote and support research, mentoring, and community in the atmospheric and Earth system sciences. Students are invited from multiple STEM disciplines including: chemistry, computer science, ecology, engineering, environmental studies, geography, mathematics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, science education, social sciences, and other related fields.
Program Benefits:
- Mentoring: NSF SOARS is best known for its comprehensive, multi-dimensional mentoring model, a key contributor to the continued success of its Proteges.
- Multiple-Year Support: Successful Proteges can participate in NSF SOARS for up to four years.
- Stipend: NSF SOARS Proteges work 40 hours a week for 11-weeks and earn a competitive wage.
- Housing and Transportation: The program provides furnished apartments, round-trip airfare, and a bus pass.
- Conferences: Proteges are funded to attend national scientific conferences to present their summer research.
- Tuition Assistance: Successful Proteges are eligible to receive funding for undergraduate education.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be enrolled in a degree-granting institution
- Must not have received a Bachelor's degree in STEM and at least one more semester left of undergrad.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Please share within your networks to anyone who would be interested.
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Marissa Vara
NSF SOARS Interim Lead
SciEd
(303) 497-2530
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