Applying to NSF SOARS

 

Eligibility & Program Overview

 

What are the eligibility requirements for NSF SOARS? 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. 
  • First time applicants must be enrolled in a degree-granting institution with at least one undergraduate semester remaining after completing their first summer. 
  • Do not already hold a STEM bachelor’s degree. 
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (if your GPA is below 3.0, you will be asked to share your circumstances in the application essays).

 

Do I need prior research experience to apply? 

No! We welcome all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate a genuine interest in atmospheric and Earth system sciences.

 

What is the difference between first-year and returning applications? 

NSF SOARS is a multi-year program where Proteges can return for up to four summers: 

  • First-Year Applications: Open to current undergraduate students applying to join the program for the first time. 
  • Returning Applications: Restricted to Proteges who have already completed their first summer with NSF SOARS. Can be enrolled in either undergraduate or graduate level.

 

Application Process & Requirements

 

When do applications open and close? 

  • Applications Open: Fall annually (typically by the first week of November). 
  • Application Deadline: The day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January. 

 

What documents and materials are required to apply? 

All applications must be submitted online through the UCAR Workday Careers site and include: 

  • Unofficial College Transcripts: Black out sensitive personal information (Social Security number, birth date, etc.). 
  • Three Essay Questions: Up to 3,000 characters per essay (~1 page each). 
  • Application Questionnaire. 
  • Contact information for Two Recommender Contacts: Names and contact information of two individuals who can serve as references. 

Note: Do not submit resumes, formal letters of recommendation, or additional documents. Only materials submitted via Workday will be reviewed. 

 

How do recommendations work? 

We require contact information for two recommenders: 

  • At least one must be a faculty member or professor. 
  • The second can be a mentor, supervisor, or other professional. 

Select individuals who can speak to how you embody the three pillars of NSF SOARS (Research, Mentoring, and Community). Recommenders do not need to write a letter. We will reach out to references directly with targeted questions only if additional information is needed. 

 

What does the selection team look for in an applicant? 

We look for candidates who understand and align with the NSF SOARS mission to promote research, mentoring, and community in Earth system sciences. Because we value how these three components work together, essays are critical in evaluating your application. Take your time to fully understand what the program is about, write your essays, proofread carefully, and seek feedback before submitting.

 

Managing Your Application (Help & Workday)

 

What is Workday? 

Workday is the official UCAR employment and application platform. Applications must be submitted via Workday. Applications sent via email or third-party job boards will not be considered. 

 

What if I need to update my submitted application? 

If you need to make changes after submitting, email hiring@ucar.edu with the subject line "NSF SOARS Application Help". A recruiter will assist you with updates. Do not withdraw your application to make changes. (Note: Updates are only accepted for applications submitted prior to the deadline). 

 

How do I withdraw my application if my plans change? 

If you no longer wish to be considered, you can withdraw directly inside your Workday profile or email hiring@ucar.edu to request a withdrawal.

 

Selection & Evaluation

 

How does the selection process work? 

The evaluation occurs in two rounds using a standardized rubric: 

  • Round 1 (Internal Review): Reviewed by the program team (4–5 reviewers; at least 2 reviews per application) to narrow the pool to the top 40 candidates. 
  • Round 2 (Steering Committee): Reviewed by the 12-member NSF SOARS Steering Committee (at least 3 reviews per application) to select final candidates. 
  • Final Conversations: Program leadership conducts 1-on-1 conversations with selected finalists to give a verbal offer, discuss program fit, and research interests before extending official offers. 

 

How are the evaluation components weighted? 

Applications are evaluated on the following criteria: 

  • Research Essay: 25% 
  • Mentoring Essay: 25% 
  • Community Essay: 25% 
  • Leadership: 15% (evaluated across all three essays)
  • Academic Alignment: 10% (Transcripts)

 

How many applicants are accepted each year? 

The cohort averages 20 Proteges per year. Because NSF SOARS is a multi-year program, open spots for first-year applicants depend on how many returning Proteges reapply (typically 8 to 12 returning students per year). 

 

When will I know if I have been accepted? 

All selection decisions are communicated by the first week of April, if not sooner.

 

Program Operations, Logistics & Compensation

 

When does the program run? 

NSF SOARS is an 11-week summer program running from mid-May through late July. The 2027 program runs May 17, 2027 – July 31, 2027. 

 

What are the expectations for Proteges? 

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 deepen your understanding of the scientific research process. 
  • Participate in training workshops on scientific writing, data science, communication, leadership, and professional development. 
  • 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 unique perspectives, collaborative ideas, and thoughtful questions. 
Community 
  • Actively contribute to a positive, welcoming, and professional community with peers. 
  • Participate in NSF SOARS events and activities, including occasional social events occurring outside of standard work hours. 
  • Engage in technical and career development seminars with peers and scientists. 
  • (Optional) Participate in future networking and mentoring events as a program alum.

 

Is the internship paid? 

Yes. NSF SOARS is a paid 11-week internship: 

  • Pay Rate for 1st-year Proteges: $23.41 per hour (up to 40 hours per week). 
  • Tax Details: Income is taxable, but taxes are not withheld by UCAR. You will receive a Form 1099 for tax reporting. 
  • Holidays: Three federal holidays during the summer (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Independence Day) are unpaid. 

 

Are housing and travel covered? 

Yes! 

  • Travel: Round-trip travel between your home airport and Boulder, CO is fully covered. If you choose to drive, mileage reimbursement is provided up to the cost of an airline ticket. 
  • Housing: Furnished housing is provided at Bear Creek Apartments on the CU Boulder campus (shared suites with 2–4 Proteges total). 

 

What additional financial support is available to Proteges? 

Conference Funding: NSF SOARS sponsors Proteges to attend a national scientific conference for up to five nights. Covered expenses include: 

  • Airfare and round-trip transportation (rideshare or personal car mileage reimbursement) 
  • Lodging Daily per diem allowance 
  • One checked baggage fee (travelers are responsible for any additional baggage fees) 

Undergraduate Tuition Assistance: NSF SOARS provides undergraduate tuition assistance. Award amounts vary based on available funding each year. 

 

How are research mentors selected and paired? 

Between November and March, scientists and staff across NSF NCAR, UCAR, UCP, and partner organizations submit research project proposals. Concurrently, applicants indicate their top three research interests in the application. Once finalists accept their offer, the Steering Committee and program team match each Protege with a research mentor based on their shared scientific interests.