Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

NOAA Mentors and potential NOAA Mentors

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What is the role of the NOAA mentor?	FAQ Home Previous topic
The NOAA mentor selected by the student scholar is responsible for: providing the student scholar with a NOAA-related project in support of the student scholar's academic field of study that can be completed in 10-weeks; day-to-day guidance as needed; office space; a computer; and, access to a telephone, fax, and the internet. NOAA mentors will provide guidance on the research, science, operations, outreach, or policy topic, as well as assist the student scholar in the selection of appropriate course work related to NOAA's mission for the duration of the student scholar's participation in the program. The NOAA mentor will assess the student scholar's progress during a mid-term and final evaluation; and provided constructive feedback. Within the first two weeks of the summer internship the NOAA mentor and intern should complete and sign a Project Plan for the Hollings Program and e-mail the signed plan to the NOAA program staff at StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov. NOAA mentors should ensure that student scholars complete the security training and provide the student scholars with instructions on how to obtain a NOAA badge if one is needed to enter the facility for the summer internship. Within the first two weeks of the summer internship the NOAA mentor and intern should complete and sign a Project Plan for the Hollings Program and e-mail the signed plan to the NOAA program staff at StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov. The NOAA mentor is responsible for: completing the Mentor training at http://www.orau.gov/mentoring and sending the NOAA Student Scholarship Program a copy of the training certificate; signing the student scholar's Project/Research Training Report every two weeks; providing guidance on technology, science, outreach, policy, operations, education, and/or research activities; conducting a mid-term assessment and providing the student scholar and NOAA support staff with your comments; supporting the student scholar's presentation during the 10th week of the internship; and completing an evaluation form upon completion of the internship and e-mail it to StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov.
How do student scholars select a NOAA mentor?
Student scholars are provided a list of nationwide NOAA internship opportunities during the early-fall. Student scholars contact the prospective NOAA mentor to discuss the project further to determine their interest. If a mutual agreement is reached, the student may e-mail the NOAA mentor an updated resume and e-mail the NOAA Student Scholarship Program information about the summer internship opportunity. After NOAA approves the student scholar's participation in a project, the student scholar and the NOAA mentor will select the date and time (not to exceed three days) for the site visit, which the student scholar will coordinate with the scholarship team.
As a potential mentor with a single opportunity and several inquiries, how do I determine which student scholar is best suited for the position?
The selection process is like a job interview. Potential student scholars are asked questions about their skills; their academic, scientific, and research interests; and their overall success in courses relevant to the NOAA mentor's project, etc. Be mindful of the information exchange between you and the potential scholar and that student scholars are contacting several potential NOAA mentors, and must also agree to the selection.
Is there training available for NOAA mentors?
Yes. Mentor training is required. Mentor training is available at http://www.orau.gov/mentoring. After completing the training, please send the NOAA Student Scholarship Program a copy of the training certificate to StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov.
Can NOAA mentors have more than one student scholar?
Yes. NOAA mentor's may host more than one student scholar per summer providing each student scholar has a discreet project assigned to him/her; hence, student scholars may not share a NOAA project.
Do NOAA mentors provide a NOAA Badge?
No. NOAA Badges are provided to the student scholars during the mandatory orientation program by the Office of Education. NOAA badges are collected from the student scholars during the final week of presentations in Silver Spring, Maryland, by the NOAA Office of Education (OEd).
Will the NOAA mentor create a NOAA e-mail account for the student scholar?
No. NOAA OEd. creates and maintains NOAA e-mail accounts for all student scholars for their 2-year term in the scholarship program. The student scholars are fully supported (monthly academic stipend, summer bi-weekly stipend, housing allowance) by NOAA's OEd. The student scholars are part of and supported by NOAA's OEd., for the 10 weeks they spend at NOAA operating units. The student scholars' email accounts will be maintained by the OFA Mail Admin Group and will not be transferred to the operating units.
Can the NOAA mentor change the summer project?
In the event a NOAA mentor needs to change the summer project, the NOAA mentor can request to change the project with the student scholar and in coordination with OEd. Project changes must be agreed upon by the NOAA mentor, student scholar and OEd. If the new project is found to be unsuitable for the student scholar, the student scholar is required to select another NOAA mentor and project for the remainder of the summer internship.
Can the NOAA mentor assign multiple projects to the student scholar?
No. Each student scholar must have one project which can be completed in 9-weeks. At the end of the 9 weeks, the student scholar must present the results of that project to the NOAA community in Silver Spring, Maryland. Awards are given for the best presentations.
Can the NOAA mentor pay for the student scholar's travel to NOAA field sites and/or conferences?
Yes. If funds are available, NOAA mentor's may travel their student scholar to NOAA field sites, conferences and meetings that would enhance the student scholar's summer internship experience and add value to their project. The Hollings Scholarship has funds to support the travel for the student scholar to one conference during their term in the scholarship. NOAA mentors are encouraged to work with their student scholar to submit an abstract to a professional conference where the student scholar presents the results of their summer internship.
Can the NOAA mentor attend the final presentations? Will OEd. pay for the NOAA mentor's travel?
OEd is unable to provide any travel support to Silver Spring, Maryland, for the NOAA mentor to attend the final week of presentations. However, NOAA mentors are encouraged to attend the final presentations both to support their student scholar as well as to assist with the judging process.
What is the NOAA program evaluation process?
At the end of the summer internship NOAA mentors will receive an evaluation form from the NOAA support contractor. NOAA mentors are asked to evaluate the student scholar's preparedness, contribution, and performance during the summer internship. Student scholar's are also provided a separate evaluation form to provide feedback on their experience with the project and the NOAA mentor.