Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) application

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) was created to ensure that the United States would maintain its leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the very best science, technology, engineering and math college students. This is the application form for a very prestigious external scholarship program that will be funded by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation; the ASF will select the final recipients.

Eligibility: An applicant for the Astronaut Scholarship must be a citizen of the United States, either native born or naturalized, and must be at least a sophomore applying for their junior year, or a junior applying to receive a scholarship for their senior year. They must be enrolled in one of the participating universities in the Scholarship Program (UW-Madison is a participating university). Additionally, nominated students must be enrolled for both semesters as a full-time student for the ASF-supported academic year.

Applicants must be seeking a STEM degree with intentions to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degrees. Students intending to pursue a practice in professional medicine are not eligible for the scholarship. However, those intending to perform biomedical research are eligible. STEM-eligible degrees can be found in this pdf link: https://astronautscholarship.org/assets/major-fields-of-study-2025.pdf

Nomination Criteria:
1) Must be nominated by Academic/Research faculty at an ASF affiliated university or institution. UW-Madison is an ASF affiliated university.

2) Must be nominated for consideration by a professor or 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.

3) Must be a STEM major going into junior or senior year (STEM Designated Degrees: https://astronautscholarship.org/assets/major-fields-of-study-2025.pdf. Note: Special consideration is NOT given to aeronautical/astronautical engineering students or those intending to pursue careers as astronauts.

4) Must be a U.S. citizen (verified by birth certificate, US passport, or naturalization papers).

5) Must have completed two years of full-time study at an ASF affiliated university or institution and demonstrated exemplary academic performance, as noted in transcripts (Note: Students may be nominated during their second year of full-time study, for a scholarship that will begin in the third year.)

6) Should be a full-time student during both semesters of the ASF supported academic year to receive the full scholarship, which is up to $15,000.

7) Must have conducted a considerable amount of work outside the classroom in their chosen field of study. This may include laboratory research, cooperative education, internships, relevant military experience, entrepreneurial endeavors, and/or documented independent work resulting in technical papers, patents, or similar work product.

8) Student has sustained academic achievement (especially in the major/field of study)

9) Student demonstrates exceptional work ethic and stands out as a leader (academically, in the community, on campus, etc.)

Application Process:
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation only accepts nominations for the Astronaut Scholarship from its affiliated and participating universities. If a student is interested in being nominated, they should contact a member of their university’s faculty regarding consideration.

Students nominated for the scholarship will need to submit/request submission of the following materials:
– Provide a personal statement. This statement should focus on your aspirations and dreams; what you are accomplishing as an undergraduate as it relates to research/work outside of the classroom and what you hope to accomplish in the future— a full picture of you
personally and scholastically. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation appreciates a discussion about what you are doing to better the world and how this accolade would help propel you in your effort to make this world a better place. The goal of this scholarship is to
support students who have a special drive to advance of scientific knowledge and technology.
– Provide two letters of recommendation— one must be from the nominating faculty member
– Provide a C.V. or resume
– Provide a copy of academic transcripts
– Provide proof of US citizenship (birth certificate, US passport, or naturalization papers)

Deadline to submit all required documentation is 3/2/25. If you are qualified to apply for this scholarship, the application will be visible in your WiSH portal as a recommended opportunity.

Questions about the ASF scholarship? Please contact coescholarships@engr.wisc.edu