Washington Sea Grant offers unique, paid educational opportunities for emerging professionals.
Highly motivated, qualified individuals are teamed with mentors in a host office for one to two years, working on marine and coastal projects. Apply for the Hershman Fellowship, the Coastal Resilience Fellowship and/or the Keystone Fellowship. Apply by April 29th, 2026.
Hershman Fellowship
Eligible host organizations & location
State, Tribal, and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, maritime and aquaculture industries based in WA
Duration
One year (September 16, 2026 to September 15, 2027)
Topic area
Ocean and coastal science, policy and management issues
2026 stipend
Each fellow will receive a stipend of $65,000 plus a $3,500 professional development budget administered by Washington Sea Grant.
Fellow criteria
Open to recently-graduated masters students (within the past two years) and second-year masters students from Washington state-based colleges and universities
Work set up
In-person, hybrid, or remote according to host preference
Coastal Resilience Fellowship
Eligible host organizations & location
Tribes, local nonprofits, municipalities, special districts, conservation districts, and other local entities working on projects focused on coastal resilience along WA’s coastlines. State and federal entities are not eligible for this fellowship.
Duration
Two years (September 16, 2026 to September 15, 2028)
Topic area
Capacity building for coastal resilience
2026 stipend
$75,000 in year 1, $78,000 in year 2, and an annual professional development budget of $5,000
Fellow criteria
Minimum education and experience based on host project needs. Preference for applicants who have lived, learned, and/or worked in Washington’s coastal communities
Work set up
In-person, hybrid, or remote according to host preference
Keystone Fellowship
Eligible host organizations & location
State, Tribal, and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, maritime and aquaculture industries based in WA with programs in coastal or marine research, policy, or management
Duration
One year (September 16, 2026 to September 15, 2027)
Topic area
Ocean and coastal science, policy and management issues
2026 stipend
Each fellow will receive a stipend of $65,000 plus a $3,500 professional development budget administered by Washington Sea Grant.
Fellow criteria
Washington state residents who either: 1.) obtained a bachelor’s degree by June 30, 2025 and have at least four years of relevant experience or 2.) are current or recent master’s students (graduated January 2024 or later or graduating before the fellowship begins) (see website for more detailed eligibility)
Work set up
In-person, hybrid, or remote according to host preference