Applying to NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship

I'm currently a Sophomore in university and wanting to apply. I'm realizing I started way too late on this application and feel very under-qualified. I'm lining up research for the following fall but that won't be in time to put on my application. I was wondering if anyone knew any tips or advice for things to get involved in to put on my application to help me stand out? I would like to add some more activities, but if theres something that could count as an informal research project that I could finish in time, I'd gladly do that. Also if theres any recommended groups/clubs to get involved in to help boost my application. That'd be awesome for someone to recommend. Thanks again.