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Proteges build professional and personal relationships with science professionals, developing leadership and communication skills that strengthen the community.

Our dedicated team of staff sustains the program by supporting Proteges, mentors, alumni, and the broader NSF SOARS community. The team works year-round to prepare for each summer, attend and present at annual conferences, build community partnerships, and be the best possible stewards of Protege success. The team is advised by a dedicated Steering Committee, some of whom are program alumni.

NSF SOARS has supported over 275 undergraduate Proteges (interns), many of whom have gone on to become leaders in ESS. The program has built a lasting legacy of excellence, emphasizing holistic development, fostering a strong sense of community, and expanding access to educational and leadership opportunities.

The NSF SOARS program was established in 1996 by Thomas Windham and Rick Anthes to provide authentic research experiences alongside world-class scientists and engineers in atmospheric and related sciences. NSF SOARS aims to increase participation in the Earth system sciences (ESS) by supporting students’ success in research, graduate education, postsecondary pathways, and leadership development.

As we expand the scope of NSF SOARS, we invite professionals across our field to partner with us, helping identify workforce-relevant skills and contributing private-industry perspectives that are often underemphasized in traditional academic training.

NSF SOARS Proteges begin as undergraduates and can return for up to four summers as undergraduates or graduate students. Their summer experiences are guided by our three pillars: research, mentoring, and community