Weather, climate and water affect all life on our planet and NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources. This session will highlight available NOAA student funding and experiential learning opportunities and serve as a platform for current students and program alumni to share how the experience influenced their academic and career paths, expanded their networks and improved their skill and knowledge. NOAA mentors will discuss the significant impact made by the programs and the students in fulfilling NOAA’s mission. In addition, NOAA’s Office of Education will share the impact of NOAA’s long standing investment in higher education, moving the needle in the demographics of degree recipients and making strides in recruiting the next generation workforce.