Onboard Outreach Program
The USSSP Onboard Outreach Program gives formal and informal educators, artists, writers, videographers and other participants the opportunity to spend an entire expedition with an IODP shipboard party and translate their experiences for students and the general public via blogs, videos, social networking sites, live ship-to-shore video events and development of educational resources. Onboard Outreach Program participants are selected through a competitive application and interview process.
All expenses for Onboard Outreach Program participants, such as travel to and from the ports of call, and a $10,000 stipend, are paid by USSSP. The selected individual(s) will also be flown to a three-day training session prior to their expedition. Non-US applicants will be directed to their country’s IODP Program Member Office but are still encouraged to apply.
Apply to Sail
Apply to sail not currently accepting applications to sail as an Onboard Outreach Officer.
When the application period is open, review the application materials (listed below), then go the USSSP Application Portal to submit an online application to the Onboard Outreach Program. CVs, proposals, and essays should be prepared as separate documents, to be uploaded through the USSSP Application Portal.
Applications
USSSP welcomes applications to the Onboard Outreach Program from formal and informal educators at all levels, as well as creative individuals who have a passion for IODP and the skills and potential to increase the profile of the program in the public eye. The application package for the Onboard Outreach Program includes the following items:
1. Application Form: The online application requests basic information about the applicant, including specific interest in an expedition.
2. Curriculum Vitae: An up-to-date two-page resume or CV.
3. Recommendation Letter
4. Contact Information for two additional references.
5. Proposal: The one-page proposal should describe projects that you would like to carry out while sailing on an expedition and post-expedition activities.
6. Short Essays: Respond briefly to several short essay questions.
7. Letter of Support from an administrator (if applicable).
8. Demographic Information Form
A list of upcoming expeditions with openings for Outreach Officers is posted, along with instructions for the application process, on the JOIDES Resolution website.
Questions about the Onboard Outreach Program and application process can be sent to Nicole Kurtz (nkurtz@LDEO.columbia.edu)
Selection Process
Typically, Onboard Outreach Program applications are reviewed for multiple expeditions at the same time; applicants are asked to state their expedition preferences on the application form. Applications are initially evaluated by USSSP staff and then forwarded to a review committee consisting of a JOIDES Resolution Science Operator (JRSO) Expedition Project Manager, expedition Co-Chief scientist, USSSP staff and at least one member of either the Staffing or Education and Outreach Subcommittee of the U.S. Advisory Committee for Scientific Ocean Drilling (USAC). The applications are reviewed and discussed via conference call. Selection criteria are discussed and may vary from expedition to expedition depending on program needs. Two to three leading candidates for each expedition are then interviewed by the review committee via Skype or Zoom.
The final selection of the Onboard Outreach Officer for each expedition is made by USSSP, and the invitation is issued by the JRSO.
Past Participants
A list of previous program participants and their activities can be found on the JOIDES Resolution website.