Astronaut Scholarship

Provides $10,000 award to students in math, science, and engineering.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was created to ensure that the United States would maintain its leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the very best science and engineering college students. Through the garnered support of former astronauts, industry leaders, educational institutions, and patrons, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to the best and brightest university students who excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Candidates for the scholarship must be nominated by their university (see application procedure below) and must exhibit leadership, imagination and exceptional performance in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The accomplishments of the Astronaut Scholar alumni have profoundly impacted our nation through technological innovations in health care, energy, defense, aerospace, homeland security, and so much more.

Application Process: 

Students must be nominated by the University of Chicago to apply for this award.  The campus application requires the following:

  • Two (2) confidential recommendation letters from UChicago faculty, sent by email to Nichole Fazio at nfazio@uchicago.edu;
  • A one-page personal statement (single-spaced) detailing a) your intellectual autobiography, including particularly relevant experiences while an undergraduate, b) your engagement in undergraduate research, including a brief description of your current research, and what you have learned through those experiences; and c) a brief statement about your plans for further graduate study, as well as your professional goals and career aspirations. 
  • Transcripts (unofficial is fine; please do not send screen shots or myUChicago grade reports);
  • A CV/academic resume.

All campus application materials must be emailed to Nichole Fazio, Director of the CCSA, at nfazio@uchicago.edu by 5:00 pm on the stated campus deadline. Late materials will not be accepted.

The University committee will select four nominees for submission to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Scholarship Committee. The ASF National Scholarship Committee selects two recipients from each nominating institution.