Day: October 29, 2026

https://soars.ucar.edu/apply

Applications for 2027 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). ESS is the study of Earth as an interconnected system—from its interior and oceans to its atmosphere and space environment. Proteges (NSF SOARS Interns) engage in original scientific research for 11 weeks of the summer, and can return for up to four summers while enrolled in either undergraduate or graduate studies. Protege’s also gain experience in developing reports and presentations, attending and delivering oral presentations, and benefit from an intentionally curated community mentoring structure. NSF SOARS offers comprehensive financial support for summer research and conference travel.

At a Glance Program:

• NSF SOARS (Undergraduate-to-graduate bridge & career pathways program) 
• Focus: Atmospheric and ESS research 
• Duration: 11-weeks of research in Boulder, CO returning for up to 4 non-consecutive summers 
• Support: 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 social sciences—to deepen their expertise in understanding of ESS. The NSF SOARS program supports Proteges in achieving success in higher education and in the ESS workforce, thus actively contributing to finding solutions to our most pressing scientific and societal challenges and supporting economic growth in the U.S.

Information Session 

• How to Apply to NSF SOARS Webinar: November 5 at 10:00 AM MT – Register here! 
• Can’t make it? Explore our Application FAQ for full details on eligibility, deadlines, requirements, and program logistics

Eligibility & Education Criteria 

• Academic Status: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or associate degree program with at least 1 year completed and at least 1 semester remaining after the summer program. (Community college students and associate degree holders are strongly encouraged to apply; STEM bachelor’s degree holders are ineligible) 
• Field of Study: Majoring in atmospheric science or a related discipline (e.g., geosciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, physics, oceanography, or social sciences) with relevant math/science coursework
• GPA Requirement: Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. (If under 3.0, please explain any relevant 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 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 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
• (Optional) Participate in future networking and mentoring events as a program alum

Application Requirements Checklist 

• Unofficial College Transcripts: Transcripts from all institutions attended (PDF format preferred). Please remember to redact sensitive personal details (e.g., Social Security number, date of birth)
• Contact Information for Two References:
  • At least one reference must be a faculty member or professor; the second can be a mentor, supervisor, or other professional
  • We recommend choosing references who can speak to how you embody the three pillars of the program (Research, Mentoring, and Community)
• Three Essay Responses: 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, each focused on one of these components. Leadership development is also an important attribute in the NSF SOARS program. Please describe your leadership aspirations in each of your essays. Please review our AI guidelines prior to drafting
  1. Research – NSF SOARS Proteges spend eleven weeks conducting original research at NSF NCAR, UCP, or other NSF SOARS sponsors with world-renowned scientists. NSF SOARS values creativity in problem solving as a researcher
     1. Describe one or two problem-solving experiences you’ve had in prior coursework, research projects, work experiences, or other activities. What approaches and skills did you use? 
     2. How might these experiences and approaches apply to a NSF SOARS research project? 
     3. What are your career goals, and how could participating in NSF SOARS help you achieve them?
        1. 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 and bidirectional 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. We understand that you want to gain research experience and improve your research skills through mentoring with other scientists. Describe these and other areas you desire to grow in (professionally and personally) and why? 
     2. How will the mentoring you receive in NSF SOARS help you grow in those areas? 
     3. How will you contribute to the multi-dimensional mentorship model of NSF SOARS? 
  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 build and sustain collegial and supportive relationships with other Proteges, mentors, program coordinators, and alumni
     1. Describe an experience in which you helped create or contribute to a supportive community. How did you help others feel supported, navigate challenges, or celebrate successes? The situation does not have to be related to science, research, or education
        1. If you haven’t had this experience, explain what you believe makes a supportive community and how you would contribute to one in the future, including any strategies you would use to collaborate, lead, and problem-solve
     2. Discuss how you imagine a supportive community might influence your experience in NSF SOARS, and how you expect to contribute and benefit from this community