Frequently Asked Questions

I am not an engineer, can I still apply?

Absolutely! We also have fantastic internships available in business, policy, communications, and more. The only requirement that we have is that you have an interest in a career in the Aerospace Industry.

Does the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship accept international students?

Due to US export compliance and work eligibility laws and regulations, in order to be eligible for our program, you must be a US citizen, US Permanent Resident (“Greencard” holder), a US national, or a lawfully admitted refugee or asylum seeker legally able to work in the United States. Requirements for specific host companies may vary, so some applicants eligible for a Fellowship may not be eligible for individual host company match candidates.

I’m not eligible for this program. What other opportunities are there?

There are many routes into the aerospace industry, and the best route is the one that works for you. You may want to start your search at SpaceInterns.org or at Space Workforce for Tomorrow’s National Space Interns program. Of course, we also encourage you to check out all of our employers and to view their direct internship listings. And don't forget to check out the other wonderful aerospace Fellowships, such as the Brooke Owens Fellowship, the Zed Factor Fellowship, the Zenith Pathways Canada program, the Prospero UK Fellowship, the Sally Ride Fellowship, and the Solastra Fellowship!

How many Fellows get accepted in a given year?

We accept an average of 30-35 Fellows per year.

When will I know if I got selected?

We typically notify applicants if they have been selected in December.

I would like my company to employ a Fellow. How can we get involved?

For host company inquiries, please send us a message at our Contact Us channel to express your interest. A representative from our volunteer executive team will get in contact with your company representative to discuss logistics. 

I would like to serve as a mentor for this organization. How do I volunteer?

For mentoring inquiries, please send us a message at our Contact Us channel to express your interest. A representative from our volunteer executive team will get in contact with your company representative to discuss logistics. 

I am interested in supporting the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, but I do not have the time to be a mentor. How can I support? 

We understand! We know that everyone is swamped doing awesome things for the aerospace industry. We always need help spreading the word about the Fellowship on college campuses and through social and traditional media. You can also make a tax-deductible donation to support our program.