Astronaut Scholars

The Astronaut Scholarship is funded by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), a nonprofit organization created by the Mercury 7 astronauts in 1984. The foundation strives to aid the U.S. in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships to the very best and brightest college students pursuing degrees in STEM majors at select institutions.

Purdue is a foundation member institution based on its history of producing significant numbers of professional scientists, academic scientists, engineers, and researchers. As such, six Purdue students are selected for nomination annually, three of whom are granted an Astronaut Scholarship of up to $15,000 for the following academic year. Special consideration is not given to aeronautical/astronautical engineering students or those intending to pursue careers as astronauts.

Scholars attend an orientation weekend in August/September each year that includes presenting their research at a technical conference, attending the Innovators Gala at which the the Neil Armstrong™ Award of Excellence is awarded to an Astronaut Scholarship alumus, and social/professional events that vary from year to year. Scholars also have the option to seek a mentor through ASF, which we strongly encourage Purdue Scholars to pursue.