Faculty encouraged to nominate STEM students for national scholarship

Faculty with high-achieving students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics are encouraged to nominate students for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF).

The ASF awards more than 70 scholarships nationwide, valued up to $15,000 for each awardee. Scholarship programming includes an Astronaut Scholar conference, mentorship, professional development, networking and global recognition. 

The ASF is offered to junior and senior-year college students. Auburn University has had two previous winners, Ayden Kemp (2023) and Maggie Nelson (2022).
 
In order to apply, students must first have a faculty member sponsor. Faculty sponsorship duties include writing a letter of recommendation for the student’s nomination packet. Other information in the nomination packet include a personal statement, academic transcripts and a C.V. or résumé.

The internal nomination packet deadline is March 14. To begin a nomination and for questions regarding the application process please contact Whitney Comer. For more information on the ASF, visit their website. 

The ASF was created in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts. Together, they represented a wealth of collective influence which was particularly suited to encouraging university students pursuing scientific excellence. Their mission was to ensure the United States would be the global leader in technology for decades to come.