About Us

The NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M) is a national consortium led by Howard University. We prepare a new generation of diverse STEM professionals through interdisciplinary research, hands-on training, and leadership development focused on atmospheric science and societal resilience.

NCAS-M is supported by the NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI), which works to increase the participation of underrepresented students in NOAA-aligned STEM fields. Since 2001, the EPP/MSI program has supported more than 4,000 students, resulting in over 2,500 STEM degrees and over 2,000 alumni advancing to NOAA-related careers. Between 2003 and 2019, the program supported over half of all African American and more than one-fifth of all Hispanic doctoral recipients in atmospheric sciences in the U.S.

In 2022, NOAA EPP/MSI awarded Howard University a $30 million cooperative agreement to lead NCAS-M II. The Center includes eight partner institutions committed to advancing capacity in weather, climate, and air quality research—while cultivating a skilled and inclusive NOAA workforce. Learn more about how we’re organized.

Atmospheric & Environmental Research

Improving forecasts and understanding of weather, air quality, and water hazards.

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Integrating human dimensions to improve communication and decision-making.

Workforce Development

Training students with core skills, leadership, and NOAA mission alignment.

Technology & Innovation

Using AI, machine learning, and supercomputing to tackle environmental challenges.

Core Competencies

Six foundational areas of student development, each with measurable goals.

Center-Wide Training

Skill-building workshops offered virtually and in-person year-round.

NOAA NERTO

Hands-on, mission-based training for graduate students at NOAA facilities.

Postdoctoral Program

Supports advanced NOAA-aligned research and early-career mentorship.