National Ocean Sciences Competition for High School Students | NOAA SEC OED 2020 2006357

Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA SEC OED 2020 2006357

The National Ocean Sciences Competition for High School Students is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Commerce, administered through NOAA, to run a multi-year program that uses an academic competition to spark and sustain high school students interest in ocean sciences and related STEM fields. The central purpose is exposure: giving students across the United States and its territories a meaningful, motivating introduction to ocean science topics, NOAA-related mission work, and the kinds of careers that exist in ocean and environmental science, research, operations, and technology.

Projects funded under this opportunity are expected to be built around a tiered competition structure with both regional and national events, serving roughly 2,000 students each year. At the same time, NOAA emphasizes that the competition should not be the only experience students receive. The program should be designed to include additional learning components that deepen engagement and broaden access, such as internships, field experiences, laboratory or research activities, and other enrichment opportunities for participating students. The design should also reach beyond the students who compete by offering related learning experiences for peers and teachers, helping amplify the program's impact within schools and communities.

A major requirement is that proposed projects align with at least one goal from NOAA's Education Strategic Plan (referenced in the announcement) and make active use of relevant NOAA assets. In practice, this means applicants should integrate NOAA data, tools, facilities, expertise, programs, or other resources in ways that are central to the learning experience rather than purely symbolic. The program is also expected to connect students with practicing scientists who can serve as mentors, provide guidance, and make STEM career pathways feel tangible, with particular attention to ocean science careers.

NOAA expects strong partnerships as part of the implementation plan. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with NOAA offices and programs, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations (including museums, aquariums, science centers, and other free-choice learning venues), nongovernmental organizations, and state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as other federal agencies. These partnerships are meant to strengthen recruitment, content quality, mentorship capacity, event execution, and experiential learning opportunities, while also helping the program reach students in different regions and contexts.

Evaluation is a required component, not an add-on. Proposals must include an evaluation approach that both monitors the quality of participants experiences (students, teachers, and volunteers) and measures the program's impacts over the award period. This implies collecting data and feedback throughout implementation and using it to assess outcomes such as student engagement, learning gains, interest in ocean sciences, awareness of NOAA mission areas, and increased understanding of STEM careers.

The award will be made as a cooperative agreement, which generally signals that NOAA anticipates being substantially involved during the project period (for example, through coordination, technical input, or alignment with NOAA assets and priorities). The project period must be between three and five years. Total federal funding requests must fall between $900,000 and $1,900,000 across all years, with annual federal requests capped at $300,000 for Year 1 and $400,000 for each subsequent year. NOAA planned to make a single award under this announcement, with an anticipated award date of August 1, 2020, and a project start date no earlier than that same date.

Key administrative details from the notice include the opportunity number NOAA SEC OED 2020 2006357, CFDA 11.008, an original posting date of February 18, 2020, and an original application deadline of April 18, 2020. The activity area is categorized under environment, natural resources, science and technology, and other research and development. Eligibility is listed broadly as "others" with additional clarification referenced in the full notice, indicating that applicants needed to consult the complete announcement for the specific eligible organization types and any restrictions.

• The Department of Commerce in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Ocean Sciences Competition for High School Students" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.008.
• This funding opportunity was created on Feb 18, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 18, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,900,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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