Jack Horkheimer Youth Service Awards
Offered by Astronomical League
About This Scholarship
The Astronomical League — the umbrella organization for more than 240 US amateur astronomy clubs — presents two Jack Horkheimer Youth Service Awards each year to members under 19 who have given outstanding service to amateur astronomy and the public: the Horkheimer/Smith Award ($1,750, a plaque, and an expense-paid trip to the League's national convention) and the Horkheimer/D'Auria Award ($1,000 and a plaque). The awards honor Jack Horkheimer, the late host of public television's Star Gazer.
Service is the operative word. Winning applications document public outreach — star parties, Astronomy Day events, school presentations — along with club duties or officer positions, League observing awards earned (such as the Messier program), and other astronomical service. A single nomination form covers both awards, so every applicant is automatically considered for the Smith and the D'Auria.
Applicants must be League members, which usually comes automatically with membership in a local astronomical society (member-at-large status also qualifies), and the nomination must be sponsored by a League regional officer or a member society officer. Entries are due March 31 each year, and winners are celebrated at the League's annual convention, ALCon.
Eligibility
- Astronomical League member under age 19 at the time of nomination (membership via a member astronomical society or member-at-large status)
- Award is based on service to amateur astronomy and the public: outreach, society duties or offices, League observing awards, Astronomy Day participation
- Nomination must be sponsored; cash recipients must complete IRS Form W-9
- One application covers both the Smith ($1,750) and D'Auria ($1,000) awards
How To Apply
- Download the Horkheimer Youth Service Award nomination form from the League's youth awards page
- Assemble documentation of your astronomy service: outreach events, newsletter articles, officer positions, observing program certificates
- Have a League regional officer or your society's officer sponsor the nomination
- Submit by the March 31 entry deadline following the form's instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Smith and D'Auria awards?
They are the first and second Horkheimer Youth Service Awards. The Horkheimer/Smith winner receives $1,750, a plaque, and an expense-paid trip to the League's national convention; the Horkheimer/D'Auria winner receives $1,000 and a plaque. One application is considered for both.
Do I have to belong to an astronomy club?
You must be an Astronomical League member, which typically comes through a local member society — member-at-large status also counts. The nomination also needs a sponsor who is a League regional or society officer.
Is the money restricted to tuition?
No. These are cash awards (paid by check, with an IRS W-9 required), so winners can put them toward education or astronomy gear as they choose.