Comment Now: How Much Paper for Foster Scholarships?
Published Date: 9/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the information collection request to OMB for review and approval.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Graduate Scholarship Financial Support
The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship program provides financial support for independent graduate-level research and graduate degrees in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology, and related coastal disciplines for master's and doctoral students. Applicants are evaluated on financial need, academic achievement, and potential for research and career goals.
Application Time and Reporting Burden
If you apply for the NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship, the agency estimates applicants will spend 3 hours on a pre-application and 5 hours on the full application. Other required items carry estimated times: letters of recommendation 45 minutes each, biographical sketch and photograph 1 hour, annual progress reports 2 hours, and an exit interview 15 minutes; NOAA estimates 190 pre-applicants and 50 full applicants annually and total burden hours of 570 (pre-application) and 450 (full application).
Application Submission Options (Grants.gov or Mail)
You may submit the scholarship application electronically through Grants.gov, or by mail if internet access is not available. Selected awardees will provide some additional information orally.
Selection Criteria Exclude Gender or Minority Status
When choosing award recipients, the program does not consider gender or minority status. Selections are distributed by discipline, institution, geography, and degree sought, and are based on financial need, academic achievement, and potential for success.
No Monetary Cost to Apply
The notice states the Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Public is $0 and that responding is voluntary, so applicants are not charged an application fee.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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