The State Fellowship provides a unique professional opportunity to graduate students who are interested in coastal and marine resources in Georgia, and the policy and management decisions affecting those resources.
Modeled after the highly successful Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program, the State Fellowship is designed to provide recent graduates an opportunity to acquire “on the job” experience in planning and implementation of coastal and marine policies and programs in Georgia.
The program matches highly motivated graduate students who have recently graduated or are near completion of degree with select host local, state and federal government agencies as well as non-governmental partners and industries in Georgia. The fellowship program serves to increase the capacity of our partners in Georgia, promote integration of different perspectives into problem-solving for Georgia and facilitate training and development of the next generation of coastal and marine leaders.
Eligibility
Applications may be submitted by a graduate student close to completing their degree (Masters, Ph.D., or J.D), or within a year of their graduation, in a field related to conservation, management, protection, stewardship, public policy, or law of marine or coastal environments, or areas that impact marine and coastal environments. Applicants should address their degree of interest and experience in either marine/coastal/watershed science, natural resource management, public policy or law. Fellows must complete all degree requirements before starting the fellowship.
Length of the Assignment
The fellowship begins in July/August and ends in June/July the following year (exact dates are determined by host and fellow).
Stipend and Expenses
State Fellows receive a stipend of $45,000 for 12-month assignments. Additional travel or professional development funding associated with the fellowship may be covered by the host agency at the agency’s discretion.
Application Materials
A complete application will include the following items:
- Personal and academic curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages using 12-point font).
- A statement of career goals that emphasizes the applicant’s abilities and interests, and the applicant’s expectations of the career development experience (two pages).
- Two letters of recommendation including one from the applicant’s major advisor.
- Copies of all undergraduate and graduate student transcripts. Unofficial copies will be accepted.
How to Submit
Applications must be submitted using Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s online submission portal: https://eseagrant.uga.edu. Applicants should read eSeaGrant instructions before filling out their application. Late applications and applications that aren’t submitted through eSeaGrant will not be accepted.
Application Deadline
The application period has closed and will reopen in early 2027.
Selection
Following an administrative review for minimum requirements, host offices review all applications and participate in virtual interviews with candidates. Following virtual interviews, both applicants and hosts rank choices for placement. Final selections are based on applicant preferences and host priorities.