Astronaut Scholarship Foundation at NC State University
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) was founded by the Mercury 7 astronauts to support the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each year, ASF awards scholarships of up to $15,000 to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional talent, leadership, and innovation in their fields.
NC State University is proud to be an ASF University partner, recognizing and fostering excellence among our students.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Award Ceremony
Monday, February 10th
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
Location: Coastal Ballroom, Talley Student Union
About the Astronaut Scholarship
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) was founded by the Mercury 7 astronauts to support the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each year, ASF awards scholarships of up to $15,000 to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional talent, leadership, and innovation in their fields.
NC State University is proud to be an ASF partner, recognizing and fostering excellence among our students.
University Liason: Dr. Jerome Lavelle
University Liaisons are selected by their academic institutions to lead the nomination process on their campuses. These individuals serve as the main point of contact between the university and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
In 2024 ASF awarded 71 scholarships to students from 48 different universities across the nation. Astronaut Scholarships are awarded to students in their junior and senior year of college studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics with the intent to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degree. Astronaut Scholars are among the best and brightest minds in STEM who show initiative, creativity, and excellence in their chosen field.
2024 NC State Astronaut Scholarship Recipient
Josh Ott
Physics, Mathematics
Learn more about the scholarship, eligibility requirements and the nomination process here: Astronaut Scholarship Program
The Annual Astronaut Scholarship Award Ceremony
Each year, NC State proudly hosts the Astronaut Scholarship Award Ceremony, an event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating our brightest STEM students. This ceremony is the official announcement of NC State’s newest Astronaut Scholar, a student selected for their academic excellence, research innovation, and leadership potential in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
As part of the event, we invite a renowned NASA astronaut to deliver the keynote address, sharing firsthand experiences from space missions, insights into the future of aerospace innovation, and words of inspiration for students pursuing careers in STEM.
2025 Award Ceremony
Monday, February 10th | ⏰ 7:00–8:30 PM
To ensure adequate preparations (including catering), RSVP using the link below:
2025 Guest Speaker
Meet Our Guest Speaker: Astronaut Tony Antonelli
We are honored to welcome Captain Tony Antonelli, a retired U.S. Navy officer, veteran NASA astronaut, and Space Shuttle pilot with a distinguished career in aviation, space exploration, and aerospace leadership.
Career Highlights:
- Piloted two Space Shuttle missions (STS-119 & STS-132), delivering critical components to the International Space Station
- Accumulated 4,700+ flight hours in 40+ aircraft
- Former NASA astronaut and aerospace executive at Lockheed Martin
- Served as Artemis II Mission Director for the Orion Program, supporting NASA’s mission to return humans to the Moon
Antonelli’s experiences span from combat aviation and test piloting to leading groundbreaking space programs—making him a true pioneer in STEM, space exploration, and leadership.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a trailblazer in space exploration and aviation!