Description

UCAR is excited to announce the application opening of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) program. 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). 

The summer research experience includes opportunities to engage in original scientific research, written reports and presentations, seminars, as well as peer and community mentoring. NSF SOARS Proteges can participate for up to four summers conducting research in atmospheric and ESS. NSF SOARS offers comprehensive financial support for summer research, and conference travel. 

NSF SOARS invites students from multiple STEM disciplines -- including but not limited to: chemistry, ecology, engineering, geography, mathematics, meteorology, physics, and the social sciences -- to deepen their expertise in understanding the Earth’s Atmosphere. The NSF SOARS program offers support for all students to achieve success in higher education and in the ESS workforce to actively contribute to finding solutions to our most pressing scientific and societal challenges and supporting economic growth in this country.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm MT on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Applications will not be accepted past this date, and candidates will receive a status update no later than Monday, March 16, 2026. You can find the application via the NSF SOARS website: https://soars.ucar.edu/apply.  

Register for our How to Apply to NSF SOARS Webinar on Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 pm MT to learn more. 

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION THROUGH AMS, PLEASE USE THE UCAR WORKDAY LINK.  You're application will not be seen otherwise. 

Requirements

What You Will Do
The NSF SOARS program is built on the three pillars of Research, Mentoring, and Community. As a Protege, you will gain hands-on research experience, dedicated mentorship, and a supportive community to help launch your career in the atmospheric and related sciences. NSF SOARS empowers you to take ownership of your summer experience, strengthen your scientific and professional skills, and prepare for the next steps in your academic and career journey.

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 skills.
• 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.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program; or associate’s degree program;
• Working toward an academic major in atmospheric science or a related field, (e.g. geosciences, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, or social and behavioral sciences) and an interest in pursuing a career in atmospheric or related STEM disciplines;
• Must have at least one (1) semester of undergraduate coursework remaining after the initial summer program.
• Bachelor’s degree holders are ineligible to apply.

Not required but will be reviewed with other materials:

• Completed two (2) years of college or the equivalent.
• Community College students and Associates degree holders are welcome and encouraged to apply.
• Possess some college science and math coursework.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• If your GPA is less than 3.0, please address the circumstances in your Research essay. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Willingness to contribute to the NSF SOARS mission (please see soars.ucar.edu for more details).
• Interest and desire to expand knowledge in the Earth system sciences or related fields.
• Ability/potential to lead and collaborate with a group of peers and mentors.
• Desire/potential to excel in a STEM career.