National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholar
Offered by National Space Club and Foundation
About This Scholarship
Since 2013, the National Space Club and Foundation has selected one student each year to deliver the keynote address at its Goddard Memorial Dinner, one of the space industry's most prestigious gatherings, and the 2027 Keynote Scholar will receive a $50,000 scholarship applied toward tuition. The award is open to U.S. citizens from high school seniors through undergraduates who have definite plans to pursue a STEM career, with preference for space-related interests.
This is effectively a speaking-and-video contest as much as a scholarship. The application requires an unofficial transcript, two recommendation letters from faculty or science professionals, a 150-word statement of intent, and a 2-3 minute video answering the 2027 topic: what role you and your generation will play in humanity's future in space. The video counts for 50% of the score, so strong on-camera communicators have a real edge.
The 2027 application is live now. Completed applications and videos are due by October 30, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. EST, finalists audition virtually in January, and the winner speaks at the dinner on March 12, 2027. There is no application fee.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- High school senior through undergraduate student at (or headed to) an accredited U.S. institution
- Definite plans to pursue a STEM career, with preference for space-related interests
- Must submit a 2-3 minute video audition, two recommendation letters, transcript, and 150-word statement
- Must be available to speak at the Goddard Memorial Dinner on March 12, 2027 (travel provided)
How To Apply
- Complete the online application at spaceclub.org, uploading your transcript (PDF), two recommendation letters, and 150-word STEM statement of intent
- Record and upload a 2-3 minute MPEG-4 video on the 2027 topic; videos outside the time limits are disqualified
- Submit everything by October 30, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. EST
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is the video?
Critical. The video audition is worth 50% of your score, with the statement of intent at 20%, transcripts at 15%, and recommendation letters at 15%.
What does the winner have to do?
Deliver the keynote at the 2027 Goddard Memorial Dinner in March. The foundation covers travel and lodging for the winner and one guest, and the $50,000 scholarship is paid to the winner's college for the following fall.