Astronaut Scholarships

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awarded its first seven scholarships in 1986. Each founding Mercury 7 astronaut sponsored a $1,000 scholarship and they then began to fundraise to support future scholarships. Each astronaut would donate proceeds from their speaking engagements and shared the ASF mission wherever they went to raise awareness of both the mission and the scholarship program.

Today, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards more than 60 scholarships valued up to $15,000 to each selected scholar. Scholarship programming includes an Astronaut Scholar conference, mentorship, professional development, networking and recognition.  This is the beginning of a life-changing experience for Astronaut Scholars that launches students to positively change and influence society through innovation.

Eligibility

An applicant for the Astronaut Scholarship must be a citizen of the United States, either native-born or naturalized, and must be at least a sophomore applying for their junior year, or a junior applying to receive a scholarship for their senior year. They must be enrolled in one of the participating universities in the Scholarship Program. Additionally, nominated students must be enrolled for both semesters as a full-time student for the ASF-supported academic year.

Applicants must be seeking a STEM degree with intentions to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degrees. Students intending to pursue a practice in professional medicine are not eligible for the scholarship. However, those intending to perform biomedical research are eligible.

Application Process

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation only accepts nominations for the Astronaut Scholarship from its affiliated and participating universities. If a student is interested in being nominated, they should contact a member of their university’s faculty regarding consideration. Students may also contact the university liaison for more details regarding the internal process.

Students nominated for the scholarship will need to assist the nominating faculty member with the following:

• Ensure eligibility requirements are met,
• Provide two letters of recommendation,
• Provide a personal statement,
• Provide a copy of academic transcripts,
• Provide a C.V. or resume.

The deadline for liaisons to submit nominations for the 2024 Astronaut Scholarship is March 29, 2024.

Award

If a student is awarded the Astronaut Scholarship the recipient will receive:

• A scholarship up to $15,000 (full amount awarded unless scholar is “over-awarded” based on federal guidelines),
• A paid trip to ASF’s Innovators Weekend,
• Life-long engagement with the astronauts, Astronaut Scholar alumni, and the Foundation.

Note: The ASF Scholarship Selection Committee reserves the right to not award a scholarship at every university if it is deemed that the submitted candidates have not met the criteria or standard.