Launch Your Aerospace Career: Now Accepting Applications for the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship
Looking for your first real break in space or aviation, but keep running into job posts requiring years of prior experience? Applications for the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship (Class of 2027) are officially open!
The Opportunity
Named in honor of civil rights pioneer and former FAA Commercial Space head Patti Grace Smith, this fellowship accelerates extraordinary undergraduates into the aerospace workforce. Fellows receive:
Paid Summer Internship: Spend ~12 weeks gaining hands-on experience at a top aerospace company or high-growth startup.
Dual Mentorship: Pair up with both an executive-level industry leader and a rising early-career mentor.
$2,500+ Direct Grant: Flexible cash to help cover tuition, housing, software, or relocation.
100+ hours of leadership and development training: Including all-expenses paid travel to a multi-day leadership conference to build skills and connect with your cohort.
Our Class of 2026 reported a 35% improvement in the likelihood of having a highly successful career in aerospace, and a 40% improvement in their sense of belonging in the aerospace community. Many. of them will be returning to their host companies for subsequent internships and full time employment.
Who Can Apply
Academic Status: Enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree program at an accredited U.S. institution.
Career Stage: Seeking your first paid job or internship in the aerospace industry.
Majors: Open to all disciplines—engineering, computer science, physics, business, policy, communications, and design.
Work Auth: U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or refugees/asylees (due to federal export regulations).
What You'll Need
One-page résumé (no prior aerospace experience necessary).
Unofficial transcript.
Two recommendations (one academic/technical, one character/community focus).
Short essay responses and a creative piece (video, code, design, or essay).
For Faculty & Staff Advisors
Bright, capable students frequently opt out of aerospace opportunities simply because they don't see a clear path in. Please share this announcement with student groups (NSBE, AIAA, SWE, SEDS) and department lists. A quick recommendation or personal encouragement can change a student's career trajectory!
How to Start
Head over to pgsfellowship.org/apply to read the step-by-step guide and join the alumni-run Applicant Discord for real-time tips. Apply early and take the first step toward launching your career!