Applications for 2026 are Now Open!

NSF SOARS is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge and career pathways program designed to promote and support research, mentoring, and community in the atmospheric and Earth system sciences (ESS). This summer research experience includes opportunities to engage in original scientific research, written reports and presentations, seminars, as well as peer and community mentoring. NSF SOARS Proteges can participate for up to four summers conducting research in atmospheric and ESS. NSF SOARS offers comprehensive financial support for summer research and conference travel.

Selection Considerations

NSF SOARS invites students from multiple STEM disciplines -- including but not limited to: chemistry, ecology, engineering, geography, mathematics, meteorology, physics, and the social sciences -- to deepen their expertise in understanding the Earth’s Atmosphere. The NSF SOARS program offers support for all students to achieve success in higher education and in the ESS workforce to actively contribute to finding solutions to our most pressing scientific and societal challenges and supporting economic growth in this country.

Register to our webinar to learn more about How to Apply to NSF SOARS on November 13 at 2:00 pm MT

Education & Experience:

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program; or associate’s degree program;
  • Must have completed at least one (1) year of undergrad;
    • Community College students and Associates degree holders are welcome and encouraged to apply.
  • Must have at least one (1) semester of undergraduate coursework remaining after the initial summer program;
    • Bachelor’s degree holders are ineligible to apply.
  • Working toward an academic major in atmospheric science or a related field, (e.g. geosciences, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, or social and behavioral sciences) and an interest in pursuing a career in atmospheric or related STEM disciplines;
    • Possess some college science and math coursework.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
    • If your GPA is less than 3.0, please address the circumstances in your Research essay.

Key Responsibilities:

As an NSF SOARS Protege, you will engage in the following opportunities and responsibilities as well as uphold the UCAR Participant Code of Conduct during your internship:

Research

  • Conduct scientific research at NSF NCAR, UCAR, UCP, or partnering organizations in Boulder, CO.
  • Collaborate closely with research and writing mentors to advance your project.
  • Participate in training workshops on scientific writing, data science, communication, leadership, and professional skills.
  • Complete weekly writing assignments and meet project deadlines.
  • Develop and deliver two scientific presentations, a research poster, a research paper, and an abstract by the end of the program.
  • (Optional) Present your research at a national scientific conference and contribute to NSF SOARS outreach. (Conference travel is funded and may occur during the academic year.)

Mentoring

  • Co-create and maintain a summer work plan with your mentor team.
  • Take initiative in organizing and leading mentor team meetings.
  • Communicate regularly with mentors and actively seek and provide constructive feedback.
  • Contribute to your mentor team and cohort by offering insights, ideas, and collaboration.

Community

  • Actively contribute to a positive, welcoming, and professional community with peers.
  • Participate fully in NSF SOARS events and/or activities with occasional social events occurring outside of standard work hours, as well as funded travel opportunities.
  • Engage in technical and career development seminars with peers and scientists.

Your completed SOARS application needs:

  • Unofficial Transcripts from all institutions attended (preferably in PDF Format)
  • Two References Contact Information:
    • At least one from a faculty member/professor, the other can be from a mentor, supervisor, or other professional.
    • Consider asking references who can speak to the three pillars of the program (research, mentoring, community).
  • Three essay questions: NSF SOARS is designed to promote and support Research, Mentoring, and Community. As part of your application, you will be asked to submit three separate essays (up to 3,000 character limit per essay), each focused on one of these components. Please review our AI guidelines before writing your essays.
    1. Research - NSF SOARS Proteges spend eleven weeks conducting original research at the NSF NCAR or other NSF SOARS sponsors with world-renowned scientists. By the end of the summer, Proteges will prepare scientific papers and present their research.
      1. Describe your previous research or problem-solving experiences, and how the skills you gained will help you contribute meaningfully to your research project.
      2. What are your career goals, and how could participating in NSF SOARS help you achieve them?
      3. If undecided, what scientific questions or topics are you most passionate about, and how do you hope to explore them through this program?
    2. Mentoring - NSF SOARS is a unique program that offers multi-dimensional mentoring to Proteges. Proteges work with their mentors on a research plan and are responsible for communicating with their mentoring team, organizing meetings, etc.
      1. Describe an experience where you took initiative, guided and supported peers, and/or collaborated to achieve goals. Please include how you will apply these skills to your mentor teams.
      2. What do you hope to gain from receiving mentorship as part of the NSF SOARS program?
    3. Community - NSF SOARS is deeply invested in cultivating a supportive community where Proteges and mentors learn together, forming meaningful relationships while developing leadership and communication skills. Proteges are encouraged to grow as researchers and as scientific leaders who see science as a way to contribute to a better world.
      1. Describe a situation when you helped build or sustain a positive, supportive community. What strategies or lessons did you use to collaborate, lead, or solve problems? The situation does not have to be related to science, research, or education.
      2. If you haven’t had this experience, explain what you believe makes a positive and supportive community and how you would contribute to one in the future, including any strategies you'd use to collaborate, lead, and problem-solve.
      3. How could your approach to community and leadership enhance the experience for your peers and strengthen the NSF SOARS program as a whole?

Apply Now!