The Astronaut Scholarship

The Astronaut Scholarship

The Astronaut Scholarship is awarded to students seeking a STEM degree with intentions to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degrees. Sophomores and juniors who plan to conduct research during their junior and/or senior semesters are eligible to apply. Students intending to pursue a practice in professional medicine are not eligible for the scholarship. However, those intending to perform biomedical research are eligible.

Today, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards more than 50 scholarships valued up to $15,000 to each selected scholar. The ASF scholarship award is just the beginning for our Astronaut Scholars, and their selection is the beginning of a life-long relationship with astronauts, alumni and great leaders who span academia, technical research, and corporate leadership.

For additional information visit: Astronaut Scholarship Foundation website.

How to Apply

Complete the Domestic Competitive Awards Eligibility form. Once your eligibility is confirmed you will be sent a link to the Prestigious Awards Canvas page where you will submit your application, along with all supporting materials listed below, by the third Monday in January. You are encouraged to work with a Faculty Mentor during the application.

Your supporting materials should be uploaded to the Astronaut Scholarship section of the Canvas page as PDFs and must include:

• Personal statement (see guidelines below)
• List of research experiences (no more than 4). Include
  • Name of research project
  • Brief description of research
  • Name, title and school/organization affiliation of research mentor(s)
  • Start and end dates of project  
• Resume/CV
• Copy of unofficial transcript

Recommendations

• Two (2) letters of recommendation are required.
  • Letter one (1) from a professor/ faculty member who knows the student well enough to identify a special drive or talent that foreshadows a creative career leading to the advancement of scientific knowledge and technology. This letter will serve as your nomination for the scholarship.
  • Letter two (2) must be from a faculty member familiar with student's work outside of classroom).

You should provide recommender information on the eligibility form, and they will receive a link from us to upload their recommendation letter. Please confirm their ability to provide a letter on your behalf and let them know the letters are due the last Friday in January. Applicants do not manage the recommendation process.

Interviews

• Interviews are scheduled in early March. The Spelman Committee can select two (2) scholars to advance to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation for final selection process. Spelman is your primary point of contact, DO NOT contact the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation directly regarding the fellowship.

Personal Statement Guidelines

The personal statement should address your career goals and professional aspirations. Identify which area(s) of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics you wish to pursue in your research career and specify how your current academic program and your overall educational plans will assist you in achieving your career goals and professional aspirations.

Your statement should be one page (no less than 500 words but should not exceed 640 words) with 1-inch margins, 12-pt. Times New Roman font, and single spaced. Include your name and the phrase, ASF (spring term year) Applicant Name, in the header (EX: ASF 2025 First Name Last Name)