Competition for positions within NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) has increased in recent years. It has proven beneficial for recent college graduates to have prior NWS job experience when they apply for positions within the NWS. Hence, we have developed a student volunteer program at the NWS forecast office in Sterling, Virginia, aimed at allowing selected college students to gain first-hand knowledge and experience of operations within an NWS forecast office. Because of resource restraints, only a few students are selected to the student volunteer program at NWS-Sterling through a competitive application process.

Students wishing to apply to the student volunteer program at NWS-Sterling must submit a web application (below). This application can be either saved and sent by email or printed and sent snail mail to 44087 Weather Service Rd, Sterling, VA 20166. This online application includes: 

1. Resume
2. Transcript (unofficial is acceptable),
3. Cover letter (This letter often involves a brief introduction and how a student became interested in the weather.)

Prospective students are asked to present available work days/times (including when classes end and begin) and be in good academic standing.

Expectations of the students volunteering at NWS-Sterling include:
    • Proper casual-business attire
    • Conduct ones-self in a professional and respectful manner.
    • Complete specified goals of both the school and the NWS
    • Work on an assigned research project with a forecaster

Students will have the opportunities to Become familiar with NWS Structure and Policies, Operational Software and Computer Systems, and Hydrologic and Meteorological Products

This program's success depends on how much the student wants to learn. Some form of research project is expected during their time at the office. These projects will involve climate retrieval and manipulation.

This is a “Volunteer” Program. Students will not be paid for their time at the office. However, it may be possible for the student to earn class credit. This can be determined by the school’s advisor or department head.

Student selections for the Summer 2008 are complete. If interested in volunteering during the Fall or Spring semesters, please contact Sarah Rogowski at Sarah.Rogowski@noaa.gov.

Student Volunteer Program Web Application

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