Research Fellowships

Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) Undergraduate Fellowships

Program Update

The combined Science To Achieve Results (STAR) and Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) Fellowship Programs have been a hallmark of EPA’s commitment to encourage students to obtain advanced degrees and pursue careers in environmentally related fields. In 2015, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and activities across the federal government were consolidated and the resources for the STAR and GRO programs have been redirected to the National Science Foundation (NSF). EPA stays committed to STEM education and the development of future environmental workforce. Learn more about other EPA STEM and fellowship opportunities.


EPA offers GRO Undergraduate Fellowships for bachelor level students in environmentally related fields of study. By enhancing and supporting environmental education for undergraduate students, GRO Fellowships have provided new environmental research in the physical, biological, health and social sciences, as well as in engineering.

Eligible students receive support for their last two years of undergraduate study and an internship at an EPA facility during the summer of their junior year. The fellowship provides up to $20,700 for each academic year of support and $8,600 for the three-month summer internship. 

GRO fellows participate in a 12-week long summer internship program. The internship offers students the opportunity to work at an EPA research laboratory or facility to enhance their undergraduate educational experience and gain valuable professional training.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible students must:

  • be a sophomore in college,
  • be a citizen of the United States or its territories or possessions, or lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence,
  • attend a fully accredited four-year university or college, and
  • have at least a 'B' average overall. 

Fellowship Program Administration

The internship program is administered by Consolidated Safety Services, Inc. (CSS), a woman-owned small business founded in 1988 that provides scientific program support, environmental safety and health, and transportation safety services under contract to EPA and other Federal agencies.

Learn more about GRO Undergraduate Fellowships.

GRO Forum

For previous issues of the GRO Forum please search the EPA Archive at https://archive.epa.gov/.

Our committment 
EPA stays committed to STEM education and the development of future environmental workforce. EPA has partnered with NSF to offer internships to eligible NSF Graduate Research Fellows. Learn more about other EPA STEM opportunities and the P3 Student Design Competition program.