Education Programs in Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that funds research and education across all fields of science and engineering. Within NSF, the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) oversees programs that advance knowledge in Earth, ocean, atmospheric, and polar sciences. The Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS) manages the Education Programs in Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences, which are designed to integrate research and education in these fields while providing training opportunities for students and early career scientists. The AGS Education program operates two primary initiatives. The first is the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site Program, which funds universities and research laboratories to host summer internships for undergraduate students. These internships immerse students in atmospheric and geospace research projects, offering them practical research experience and exposure to advanced scientific methods. Proposals for REU sites may be submitted annually, with an August deadline. This program helps prepare students for careers or advanced study by engaging them directly in scientific inquiry. The second initiative is the AGS Postdoctoral Fellowships. These fellowships support highly qualified investigators who are within three years of earning their PhD. The program provides two years of funding to carry out integrated research and education projects, combining independent scientific work with professional development and outreach. While the fellowships themselves are supported by AGS core programs, the AGS Education program contributes by covering costs associated with professional development activities for fellows. In addition to the REU sites and postdoctoral fellowships, AGS Education supports educational and professional development opportunities more broadly within the atmospheric and geospace research communities. This includes support for undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral researchers. Proposals outside of the REU and fellowship programs are accepted only by invitation, and interested parties are encouraged to contact the program director before submission. This ensures that proposals align with program priorities and NSF’s broader goals. Applications must be submitted according to NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Submissions can be made through Research.gov or Grants.gov, depending on the applicant’s preference, with each system following its respective preparation guidelines. Compliance with all submission requirements is mandatory, and applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposals meet the stated criteria. Proposals that fail to meet the requirements will not be considered for funding. Currently, the program is accepting full proposals at any time. REU site proposals typically follow the August submission deadline, and fellowships operate on a recurring annual cycle. For recurring deadlines, applicants should plan ahead and consult the program guidelines for specific due dates. The program maintains an active status, with ongoing opportunities for qualified applicants to engage. For questions or clarification, proposers can contact Amanda S. Adams, Program Director in GEO/RISE, by email at AMADAMS@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-8521. NSF headquarters are located at 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314.