National Space Club Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Space Club

Program Overview

The National Space Club and Foundation selects a student to deliver the keynote address at the Goddard Memorial Dinner and awards a $20,000 scholarship to support their STEM education. The opportunity recognizes students who demonstrate strong academics and excellence in public speaking. Eligible candidates span from high school seniors through graduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. institutions. The recipient will present at the annual dinner and receive scholarship funds designated for tuition.

Description: A student keynote opportunity paired with a $20,000 scholarship to support a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).

• Keynote speaking role at a high-profile industry event.
• $20,000 scholarship designated for tuition.
• Focused on students pursuing STEM careers.

Eligibility

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and may be high school seniors through graduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. Candidates should intend to pursue a career in the STEM fields, with preference given to those with space-related interests. Applicants must not have previously spoken at the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner. The scholarship is restricted to use for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Eligibility: U.S. citizenship; status from high school senior to graduate student; intent to pursue STEM; preference for space-related interests; not a prior Goddard Dinner speaker.

• Open to students at accredited U.S. institutions.
• Preference for applicants with space-related career plans.
• Scholarship use limited to the 2026–2027 academic year.

Award Details

The award consists of a $20,000 scholarship payable directly to the recipient’s college or university and designated for tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year. Scholarship funds will be issued to the institution no later than June 27, 2026. The selected student will deliver the keynote at the 2026 Goddard Memorial Dinner on March 13, 2026. Travel and lodging for the recipient and one guest will be provided by the National Space Club and Foundation.

Award Value: $20,000 scholarship paid to the educational institution for tuition during the 2026–2027 academic year.

• Funds paid directly to the college or university.
• Payment scheduled by June 27, 2026.
• Recipient’s travel and lodging for the dinner are covered.

Application and Timeline

Applicants must submit a completed application and a video by the November due date via the National Space Club and Foundation website. Unofficial transcript and letters of recommendation must be combined into a single PDF for upload; the Club reserves the right to request original stamped or signed transcripts. The winner will be notified on December 12, 2025, and non-recipients will not be contacted. If advanced in the selection process, candidates must be available for a live audition via video conference with the NSCF executive committee in early January 2026; applicants may check www.spaceclub.org for the official announcement.

Application Timeline: Upload application and video by the November deadline; winner notification on December 12, 2025; potential live audition in early January 2026.

• Submit combined PDF of transcript and recommendations with the application.
• Winner announced December 12, 2025; non-recipients not notified.
• Live video audition for finalists expected in early January 2026.

History of the Award

Since 2013 the National Space Club and Foundation has offered this student keynote opportunity at the Goddard Memorial Dinner, a prestigious gathering in the space industry. The program spotlights emerging STEM talent and elevates student voices within the professional community. Selection emphasizes academic achievement, commitment to STEM careers, and public speaking ability. The award fosters professional development and engagement with industry leaders.

History of the Award: Established in 2013 to recognize and showcase promising students in STEM through a keynote speaking role and scholarship support.

• Founded in 2013 as part of the Goddard Memorial Dinner tradition.
• Highlights student achievement and public communication skills.
• Connects recipients with leaders in the space community.