NSF SOARS

Did you catch NSF SOARS at AGU? Last month proteges presented their summer research projects, sharing their work with scientists and professionals from across the geoscience community. It was great to see our proteges showcase their hard work and grow their professional networks!
Interested in being a part NSF SOARS? Applications for the 2026 program are currently open and close January 20, 2026. Visit our website to learn more about the program and application process! https://soars.ucar.edu/

We’re excited to announce that the NSF SOARS First-Year Protege Applications are now open through January 20, 2026!

To apply go to soars.ucar.edu/apply

Program Benefits:
💫Multi-Dimensional Mentoring
💫Multiple-Year Support
💫11-Week Paid Research Experience
💫Housing and Transportation
💫Conference Support
💫Tuition Assistance

Eligibility:
✅Enrolled in a Degree Granting Institution
✅Must Not Have Received a Bachelor’s Degree
✅Must Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Want to learn more? Register for our How to Apply to NSF SOARS Webinar on our website (soars.ucar.edu/apply).

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And just like that NSF SOARS 2025 program has come to an end and it's time for the final recap of this year!

Week 10 &11 Themes: Connection and Celebration!

Week 10 saw Proteges wrapping up any final pieces of their research and preparing for the exciting events next week. Proteges also joined alumni for an informal networking lunch with NSF NCAR & UCAR staff. The week wrapped up with an End-of-Summer Cookout which was a great opportunity to relax and connect with the cohort before diving into Week 11!

The final week of the program kicked off with the NSF SOARS Research Colloquium where Proteges delivered oral presentations showcasing their summer research. Later on in the week, the cohort participated in some reflection activities, giving them space to look back on the summer journey and revisit their Week 1 vision boards. Finally, the program culminated with the NSF NCAR, UCAR, UCP Summer Student Conference where Proteges and other NSF NCAR summer research program participants shared their work with the community!

Congratulations 2025 Proteges, we can't wait to see where your journeys take you!

We've officially passed the midpoint of our 2025 program, can you believe how quickly these weeks are passing by? So what have our Proteges been up been up to?

Week 6 & 7 Themes: Practice Makes Perfect, Next Steps, and Community Connection!

Week 6 Proteges attended the Practice Talks where they gained experience presenting and communicating their research, specifically their introductions, research questions, methods, and preliminary results/future directions. They did a fantastic job sharing their progress with peers and mentors!

Proteges also had the incredible opportunity to meet with the NSF NCAR Director where they learned about his career path, leadership philosophy, and the role of NSF NCAR within the broader scientific community. The week wrapped up with a celebratory Shaved Ice Social to mark the midpoint for all our summer programs, what a sweet way to end the week!

Week 7 was short but productive! Proteges returned to their Scientific Communication & Writing (SCW) and Computation & Data Science (CDS) workshops, with this week's SCW workshop shifting to focus on graduate fellowships and featuring an NSF SOARS alumni sharing her experience. This week also kicked off midpoint check-ins with program coordinators. These meetings, which will continue into Week 8, are to continue progress on Proteges' Individual Development Plans from Week 1.

The Proteges have made such great progress on their research so far, and we can't wait to see what they can accomplish in the second half of the summer!