Student Volunteer Program

Student Volunteer Program

*Please note that the status of the volunteer program in the near future will be dependent on Federal Government COVID protocols and guidelines*

Purpose and Goals
The purpose of the Introduction to the National Weather Service (NWS) course is to give eligible undergraduate students (with a major in meteorology) a baseline understanding of the structure, mission requirements, and duties of the NWS. The primary goal of the course is to give the student an in-depth understanding of what a career (as a meteorologist) in the NWS will require.

Eligibility
NWS Mobile partners with the University of South Alabama for the student volunteer program. The course is open to all interested Junior and Senior undergraduate students, with a declared major in meteorology, that meet the following criteria:

Must have 2.7 overall GPA with a 3.0 GPA in completed core meteorology coursework, through exceptions may be made by the NWS for highly motivated students and upon written or verbal communication by a school staff member.
Students must be currently enrolled in or have already completed MET 354 (Dynamic Met I) by the time they begin volunteering.

Deadline for Applications

A call for applications normally is sent during the Spring semester for the upcoming new school year.

Application and Selection Process
Students who meet the eligibility requirements should submit an application NWS Mobile when the call for applications is sent out. A link will be sent through the university and posted on this page. NWS Mobile and the university will coordinate on the selection of student volunteers and interviews will likely be conducted prior to the final selection process. Typically, a maximum number of two volunteers will be selected after the review of applicants. The MIC will give final approval of the selections (contingent upon required Federal security requirements*). The Student Volunteer Coordinator will work with the volunteers to formulate a weekly volunteer schedule. All applicants will be notified via email of their selection status after the approvals have been made.

* Selected students will have to complete a security background check that must be completed one month before the start of the internship

National Weather Service – Role and Support
WFO Forecasters (typically the Student Volunteer Coordinator and/or a Forecaster serving as a Mentor) will give local instruction and guidance in regards to program progression.

University of South Alabama – Role and Support
The USA Department of Meteorology will be the primary interface with student candidates that meet the designated qualifications and eligibility requirements, and will direct them through the official application process. USA will also be responsible for monitoring the academic performance of the volunteers in order to ensure continued positive academic performance during the volunteer experience.

Points of Contact

National Weather Service Mobile, AL:
- Jason Beaman (Warning Coordination Meteorologist/Student Volunteer Coordinator) jason.beaman@noaa.gov