Our Impact

Two Decades of Impact

For more than 20 years, the NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences – Meteorology (NCAS-M)—formerly NCAS—has prepared students from underrepresented communities for careers aligned with NOAA’s mission. Through research, professional development, and experiential training, NCAS-M builds a skilled, inclusive workforce ready to advance atmospheric sciences, meteorology, climate, and air-quality research.

At a glance: $20M leveraged funding • 935 peer-reviewed publications • 165 students supported • 10+ AEROSE cruises • 70 NOAA collaborators


NCAS-M group at AMS 2019
NCAS-M recruitment event

From NCAS to NCAS-M

In 2001, NCAS was among the first recipients of a cooperative agreement from the Department of Commerce’s Educational Partnership Program (EPP). The initial grant supported four minority-serving institutions (Howard University, Jackson State University, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, and University of Texas at El Paso) and two majority institutions (University of Maryland College Park and SUNY Albany). Over time, the Center has included 13 academic institutions; as of September 2022, eight remain active.

2001NCAS established with NOAA EPP support and a six-institution consortium.
2005–2015Growth to a 13-institution network integrating research, education, and outreach.
2016–2022Successive funding cycles deepen NOAA collaborations and training pathways.
TodayNCAS-M advances mission-aligned research and workforce development across eight institutions.

Our Impact at a Glance

💰 $20MLeveraged funding
🔬 800+NOAA collaborative projects
🤝 70NOAA collaborators
🚢 10+AEROSE cruises
🧑🏽‍💼 10Alumni hired by NOAA
📚 935Peer-reviewed publications
🧑🏽‍🎓 165Students supported
🧒🏽 10K+K–12 students reached
🗣️ 250Conference presentations
🧑🏽‍🎓 15Doctoral degrees supported
🧭 250NOAA experiential trainings

Partner Institutions

Current institutions in bold.

  • Howard University (Lead)
  • Jackson State University
  • San José State University
  • State University of New York at Albany
  • University of Maryland College Park
  • University of Maryland Baltimore County
  • University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez
  • University of Texas El Paso
  • Fort Valley State University
  • San Diego State University
  • Tuskegee University
  • Universidad Metropolitana
  • Pennsylvania State University

Educational Partnership Program Impact

The Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP) partners with Cooperative Science Centers to train students in NOAA mission-aligned disciplines and co-develop new tools.

  • 4,665 students supported since 2001
  • 2,785 post-secondary degrees supported
  • 294 EPP Undergraduate Scholars
  • 287 NERTO graduate experiences completed
Explore EPP Impacts

Learn more about NCAS-M’s legacy on social media and listen to our special podcast episode reviewing our impact.

Alumni

NCAS-M has supported nearly 200 fellows and interns who contribute across NOAA, academia, and industry.

View Alumni Profiles

Research Contributions

NCAS-M has supported nearly 100 publications advancing atmospheric sciences and meteorology.

View Publication List