“VEE is pleased to have been part of the original supporters of the Commonwealth Fellowship in 2017 and to be a partner with Virginia Sea Grant and state agencies in continuing to give recent post-graduate students a real-life experience working at the intersection of science and policy in state natural resource agencies. We are also encouraged to see that several of these very talented young people end up in state government positions where they can continue to make a difference.”

– Joe Maroon
Virginia Environmental Endowment

FOR APPLICANTS

2023 Commonwealth Coastal & Marine Policy Fellowship

Sponsored by Virginia Sea Grant and the Virginia Environmental Endowment

ELIGIBILITY

Virginia graduate students nearing completion of a graduate professional degree or Ph.D. program.
Recent Virginia graduates who have completed a graduate professional degree or Ph.D. program after spring semester, 2022.
Strong interest and some experience in coastal or marine resource policy and management.
All degree requirements must be completed prior to starting the fellowship.

FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS

In addition to their work responsibilities to the host office, selected fellows will:

Collaborate with VASG’s Communication Center: Assist VASG efforts to publicize their research and fellowship activities. Fellows are required to submit blog posts and share story ideas.
Work with VASG’s Professional Development Coordinator: To develop and launch an individual professional development plan, based on your short- and long-term professional goals.
Collaborate with Your Mentor: Work closely with your host office mentor, including identifying opportunities to execute your individual professional development plan.
Attend VASG Events: Participate in regular meetings with VASG, including: An orientation meeting at the beginning of the fellowship; VASG-sponsored professional development activities; and an exit interview at the conclusion of the fellowship.

AWARD INFORMATION

Virginia Sea Grant and the Virginia Environmental Endowment anticipate supporting two to three post-graduate fellows for the 2023 Commonwealth Coastal & Marine Policy Fellowship.

Length: 12-month fellowship assignment

Start Date: September 1, 2023

Funding: $43,000 stipend, $5,000 for critical expenses and professional development activities

MORE INFORMATION

Commonwealth Fellowship Announcement (PDF)
eSeaGrant Instructions (PDF)
2023 Host Office and Project Descriptions (PDF)

HOW TO APPLY

For full details including fellowship requirements, application guidelines, evaluation criteria, and review and selection process, download the fellowship announcement. For additional information on the how to submit your application to VASG, refer to the eSeaGrant Instructions.

Application Submission & eSeaGrant

Applications must be submitted online via eSeaGrant. If you plan to apply, we recommend notifying VASG and registering for eSeaGrant at least one week in advance of the deadline to familiarize yourself with the system.

Recommendation Letters

To maintain confidentiality, it is required that recommendation letters NOT be submitted with the student’s application. Recommendation letters must be requested and uploaded through eSeaGrant. VASG recommends that letters not exceed two pages and do not include attachments. Please address letters to Dr. Troy Hartley, Director, Virginia Sea Grant.

APPLICATION PROCESS TIMELINE

May 1, 2023
Applications due to VASG by 5:00 p.m. EST

Early June 2023
Virtual interviews

Late June 2023
Notification of finalists

Early July 2023
Selected finalists interview with host offices

Late July 2023
Fellows notified of placements

September 1, 2023
Fellowship begins

“My fellowship has provided a tremendous opportunity for me to leverage the coastal science I studied in graduate school directly to state level policies and plans. From writing pieces of Congressional Testimonies to State legislation, it has been fulfilling to see peer-reviewed research make its way into policy.”

– Ben N.
2018 Commonwealth Fellow

FOSTERING A SAFE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY

VASG is committed to building inclusive research, extension, communication, and education programs that serve people from diverse backgrounds, circumstances, needs, perspectives, and ways of thinking. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, age, disability and/or health status, ethnicity, gender identity, geographic origin, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and/or veteran status.

VASG does not tolerate any form of misconduct, discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct (e.g. sexual assault within its organization, at awardee organizations, field sites, meetings, or anywhere VASG-funded research, outreach and education are conducted).

CONTACT
vasg@vaseagrant.org • 804-684-7339