Student Volunteer Program

Student Volunteer/Opportunities at NWS Houston/Galveston

Are you considering a career in the National Weather Service? What better way to gain experience than applying to be a student volunteer over the summer at our office! We have hosted many students in the past, including a number of current NWS forecasters. Our student volunteer program will provide a glimpse into a career with the NWS as well as help you develop your operational forecasting and decision support service skills. Student volunteers may also have the opportunity to visit some of the organizations that we work with such as the Central Weather Service Unit (CWSU) at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and the NASA Spaceflight Meteorology Group.

While serving as a student volunteer is the most involved way to participate in NWS operations, there is another avenue to gain valuable experience. There are opportunities for students to shadow forecast operations for a day. These opportunities are generally held on the dayshift (8 am - 4 pm CT).

Student Volunteer Program

Program Requirements

Currently enrolled in a 4-year Meteorology or Atmospheric science degree program*
- *If not enrolled in a Meteorology program (e.g. Physics, Environmental Science, Geography, etc.), you must be able to demonstrate basic understanding of Meteorology.
- Undergraduate and graduate students are both welcome to apply
Students will ideally be based in the Greater Houston area, as we are not able to provide housing accommodations or transportation for the program. Our office is located in Dickinson, TX.

Students may apply for the Student Volunteer Program beginning in January using the link below. The due date for applications is February 28, 2026.

Application Link (coming soon)

Applications consist of a resume, a letter of interest, a few short essay questions, and contact information for 1-2 references. Hours can be flexible based on your travel time and other school/work commitments. Students will also need to pick an area of interest (first, second, third option). We plan to notify accepted students by the end of March.

Based on the area of interest (e.g. tropical weather, hydrology, severe weather), students will have objectives and a final project to present at the end of the program.

Students will gain experience providing IDSS (impact-based decision support services) and delivering weather briefings to partners such as emergency managers.

If you have any questions on the program, please contact Student Program Coordinators: Hayley Bailey (hayley.adams@noaa.gov) and Cameron Batiste (cameron.batiste@noaa.gov).

Earning College Credit as a Volunteer

Students may wish to check with their academic advisor about earning credit toward graduation for the time they spend volunteering. Specific policies vary by institution. For example, some schools may require the student to work more than 8 hours per week in order to earn credit. Otherwise, it does not matter to the NWS whether a student is volunteering for credit or not.

Rules and Regulations for Volunteers

All volunteers must be actively enrolled in a college program or be a recent graduate. The National Weather Service, as an agency of the United States Department of Commerce (DOC), is bound by the laws, policies, guidelines, and procedures regarding voluntary and uncompensated services as summarized in DOC Administrative Order 202-311. This is important information for potential volunteers. For example, Section 2.03.d in this document explains the citizenship requirements for volunteers: "If an agency may not hire citizens of a particular country, citizens of that country may not serve as student volunteers." Also note the Student Volunteer Agreement at the bottom of that document. The first point requires that: "The student is enrolled at least half time at an accredited school, is recommended by the school, and is acceptable to the agency." All prospective volunteers will also be required to complete the necessary paperwork and security forms before being allowed to spend time at the NWS office.

Job Shadow For A Day

If you are a junior/senior in high school with a strong interest in Meteorology OR a college student and are interested in shadowing our forecast operations for a day, please contact Student Program Coordinators: Hayley Bailey (hayley.adams@noaa.gov) and Cameron Batiste (cameron.batiste@noaa.gov).