“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

2024 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, 2023.
Strong interest and some experience in coastal or marine resource policy and management.

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 2024 Commonwealth Coastal & Marine Policy Fellowship.

Length: 12-month fellowship assignment

Start Date: October 1, 2024

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

MORE INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

For full details including fellowship requirements, application guidelines, evaluation criteria, and review and selection process, download the fellowship announcement.

Application Submission

Applications must be submitted online via the VASG Applications Portal. If you plan to apply, we recommend notifying VASG at least one week in advance of the deadline. Send your notification by email to Lisa Eddy, VASG competitive research and education coordinator, at lmeddy@vaseagrant.org.

Recommendation Letters

It is required that recommendation letters be submitted WITH the student’s application. Recommendation letters should be written and given to the applicant to be submitted with the application package. 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, 2024
Applications due to VASG by 5:00 p.m. EST

June 2024
Virtual interviews

July 2024
Notification of finalists

July 2024
Selected finalists interview with host offices

July 2024
Fellows notified of placements

August, 2024
VASG Fellowship Orientation

October 1, 2024
Fellowship begins

September 30, 2025
Fellowship ends

“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 • 804-684-7167