Deadline: August 22, 2022.

In 2020, Galactic Unite launched a new scholarship, mentoring and training program for Black scholars pursuing STEM education with a focus on aerospace: the Galactic Unite Black Leaders in Aerospace Scholarship and Training (BLAST) Program. Partners on the program include Virgin Galactic, Virgin Orbit, Virgin Hyperloop, AEye Inc., and Planet Labs Inc.

The BLAST program is designed to support the next generation of Black leaders, who will power the rapidly developing aerospace industry and help solve global challenges in years to come. This program will support students pursuing degrees in aerospace engineering, mathematics, computer science, Earth sciences and more STEM-based majors.

ELIGIBILITY

• Open to Black/African American undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors pursuing STEM degrees with a focus on aerospace at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
• This award is renewable for returning scholars that continue to meet eligibility requirements, and reapplication may be required.
• Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States.

BENEFITS

• BLAST provides $5,000 scholarship awards 
• As a part of this program, selected students will receive scholarship support, mentoring, paid internship, leadership training, and job opportunities upon graduation.

APPLICATION

For full award consideration, applicants should provide the following in addition to the Student Application Form:

•      *     Most recent academic transcript
•      *     Essay
•      *     Updated resume
•      *     Video submission for top 30 semi-finalists
•      *     Virtual interview for finalists will be required 
•      *     A Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
       *          – The recommender cannot be a family member.
       *          – The individual recommender chosen by the student, should be an educator, academic advisor / counselor, employment supervisor, or a community leader with whom the student interacts.
       *          – The letter should provide key details about the interactions between the recommender and the applicant.  And the recommendation should highlight the applicant’s personality, work habits, and skills.
•     *           Applicants should give the recommender ample time to complete the LOR by entering all recommender information (name and email) as early as possible. The LOR must be made through the online Application System and must be received by the application due date. 

OFFICIAL LINK