Astronaut Scholarship

The Astronaut Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award for outstanding college students pursuing STEM degrees at participating U.S. universities. Founded by the Mercury 7 astronauts in 1986, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards more than 70 scholarships annually to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, creativity, and research capabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens enrolled at least as sophomores applying for their junior year or juniors applying for their senior year at participating universities. Nominees must be pursuing STEM degrees with intentions to advance their field through research, excluding those pursuing practice in professional medicine. Students must have completed significant work outside the classroom including laboratory research, internships, or documented independent work. The scholarship program offers not only financial support but also a paid trip to ASF's Innovators Symposium & Gala, mentorship opportunities, professional development, networking, and life-long engagement with astronauts and the Astronaut Scholar alumni community.