David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Associated Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Introduction
The AIAA Foundation awards annual scholarships and graduate prizes to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in science or engineering to invest in the next generation of aerospace professionals. Over the last 20 years the Foundation has granted more than 1,300 scholarships and graduate awards to students at over 150 colleges and universities worldwide. Undergraduate scholarships are offered to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors each year, while the Graduate Awards Program recognizes graduate students conducting outstanding research in the air and space sciences.

Application overview
- Applications are accepted only through the online portal between 15 October and 31 January each year.
- Applicants must be AIAA Student Members in good standing. To join or renew, visit the AIAA website and follow the Student Membership instructions.
- Each applicant may apply for up to two awards. On the application you must identify a primary award preference and a secondary award preference. Applicants lacking demonstrated academic interest in an award’s subject area will not be considered, so choose awards that closely match your academic focus.

Undergraduate Scholarship — Eligibility requirements
To be considered for an AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following unless an award states otherwise:
- Be a current AIAA Student Member in good standing.
- Have completed at least one full academic semester of full-time college coursework.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.300 on a 4.000 scale (unless the specific award states a different requirement).
- Be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States or U.S. Territories, unless the award specifies otherwise.
- Have an academic plan that continues coursework in a science or engineering field that prepares the student for entry into the aerospace engineering profession.

Undergraduate Scholarship — Selection materials and criteria
Selections are based on materials submitted with the online application:
- College/university transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended, including any graduate-level work, covering coursework through the most recent Fall term. Upload transcripts as a single PDF. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application review; however, official transcripts will be required for grade/GPA verification if an award is offered. High school transcripts are not accepted.
- A 500–1,000 word essay outlining career objectives and the academic pathway required to achieve them.
- Any award-specific writing prompt responses if applying for a Technical Committee (TC) or Section-sponsored award.
- Two (2) professional letters of recommendation (academic or professional references such as advisors, supervisors, or employers). Letters must be submitted through the online system and may not be from relatives.
- A resume or curriculum vitae summarizing professional experience, extracurricular activities, honors, and certifications.
- If requested after selection, an official transcript: the university-issued document printed on secure paper bearing the institution seal and registrar signature.

Graduate Awards — Selection materials and criteria
Selections for Graduate Awards are based on the following application materials:
- Graduate-level transcripts from all institutions attended, including coursework through the most recent Fall term. Upload these as a single PDF. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review; official transcripts will be required upon award offer. Do not submit undergraduate-only transcripts if you are applying for a graduate award.
- A 500–1,000 word essay describing career goals and the academic program needed to reach them.
- Any award-specific writing prompt responses if applying for a TC or Section-sponsored award.
- A research description (1–3 pages, double-spaced). This document must not exceed three pages. The research statement should clearly state hypotheses, the methods or approach, objectives, and the potential benefits or impact of the research. The applicant should be able to present their research focus and goals succinctly.
- Two (2) professional letters of recommendation (academic or professional references), submitted via the online application system; letters from relatives are not permitted.
- A resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience, activities, and honors.
- If necessary after selection, an official transcript printed on secure paper with the institution seal and registrar signature.

Cumulative GPA calculation
If you have coursework from more than one institution, your combined cumulative GPA should be calculated as follows:
- Multiply the number of credit hours from each previous college by the GPA at that college, and add those values to the product of credit hours and GPA at your current college. This gives SUM.
- Divide SUM by the total number of credit hours from all colleges to obtain the combined cumulative GPA.

Note for Ph.D. students
If you are enrolled in an advanced Ph.D. program that does not issue traditional grades, obtain a letter from your advisor on university letterhead verifying your enrollment in the Ph.D. program. The letter should include your name, the name of the program, and your advisor’s contact information for verification. Submit this document as a PDF.

Questions or clarifications
If you need more information about eligibility, membership, or application procedures, consult the AIAA website or the Foundation’s application instructions on the online portal.