Preparing to apply
The Woods Hole Partnership Education Program (PEP) is designed primarily for college students who are rising junior and seniors majoring in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, or geosciences and earth system sciences), engineering, mathematics or the social sciences, who have had some course work in oceanography, biology, or marine and/or environmental science. However, PEP does encourage any interested undergraduate to apply, that includes students from community college and students of all majors (social sciences, communications, policy, etc). Applicants should have a desire to spend a summer gaining practical experience in marine and environmental science.
Tips for your application:
- Read the questions/prompts carefully,
- Talk to your letter of recommendation writers early in your application process - do not wait until the last minute; and
- Review your essay answers for spelling and grammar
Application Requirements
- Completion of the online application through formsite (the application will open October 31). Application materials required to submit through formsite:
- Current résumé or CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Official transcripts will be requested upon offer
- 2 letters of recommendation; 1 must be from a faculty member (e.g. a professor)
- Review the potential projects and mentors for 2025.
2025 Important Dates
February 14 - Application deadline (the portal will close promptly at 11:59 PM EST)
February 21 - Letter of recommendation deadline (the portal will close promptly at 11:59 PM EST)
May 31 - Interns travel to Woods Hole
June 2 - Welcome and orientation events
August 8 - Final presentations and symposium
August 10 - Interns depart Woods Hole
Contact Information
For questions or technical support, send an email to WHPEPCoordinator@gmail.com with the subject line “PEP 2025 Question (or) Application Help – [Your first & last name]”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is the pandemic due to COVID-19 affecting the PEP internship?
After running PEP virtually for 2 summers (2020, 2021), we have returned to the residential program.
What is 'Woods Hole'?
Woods Hole is a place - a village within the town of Falmouth, on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts, USA.
Within the village of Woods Hole are scientific institutions, such as PEP's partners, advocacy groups, the Steamship Authority (which provides ferry service to Martha's Vineyard), restaurants and shops, and other types of small businesses.
Is PEP a WHOI program?
PEP is a partnership of all the major scientific institutions in Woods Hole, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. WHOI is one of those partners, along with the MBL, NOAA, SEA, USGS, & Woodwell Climate Research Center.
Is PEP an REU?
No, PEP is not an REU. The term "REU" (Research Experience for Undergraduates) is a specific type of research experience funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF). Learn more here.
PEP is indeed a research experience for undergraduates, but it is not an "REU" as defined above.
Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes - international students attending a US accredited college or University may apply. However, while we welcome applications from both US citizens and non-citizens, we do give priority in selection to US citizens.
My instituion is on the quarter system. Can I still apply?
Accepted students are required to be in Woods Hole for the entire program, which includes orientation on June 3. If accepted, the PEP staff will work with you and your institution to bring you to Woods Hole at the start of the program and administer any finals or final work while you are in Woods Hole. (We have had students on the quarter system participate in PEP in previous years.)
When will I hear about the status of my application?
We will announce the PEP 2024 class in mid-March with a posting on this website.
I am a graduating senior, or a recent graduate, am I eligible to participate?
Yes. You are eligible to apply and we do sometimes make offers to graduating (or recently graduated) seniors.
What are the housing/living accommodations?
PEP students live together in two cottages on the Sea Education Association (SEA) campus. Students share rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and living space. Photos of the SEA campus can be seen here.
Each 'house' is provided with a weekly gift card to purchase groceries. Students are expected to work together to create grocery lists and cook together.