The Ad Astra Kansas Foundation, a non-profit organization, is offering college scholarships for students attending Kansas institutions who are studying for careers in space exploration. Areas of study may include but are not limited to planetary science, astronomy, astrobiology, human spaceflight, rocketry, spacecraft design, and robotics.
The Ad Astra Kansas Foundation focuses on high-tech and space-tech research in Kansas and on promoting STEM education within the state. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) educational corporation in Kansas.
Award Components: Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded—one to a graduate student and one to a full-time undergraduate beyond their freshman year (sophomore, junior, or senior). In addition, a $500 scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman for the 2026–2027 academic year. Each winner will receive two Cosmosphere all-mission tickets.
Recipients will also be invited to our April outreach day in Topeka and the August Galaxy Forum in Hutchinson. Attendance at these events is optional and does not affect scholarship eligibility. Any travel expense reimbursements must be pre-approved by the committee.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be a graduate student, current full-time undergraduate student, or planning to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in an accredited Kansas college, university, or vocational-technical school for the 2026-2027 school year.
- Eligible majors include science, engineering, or any program that can contribute to the advancement of space exploration.
- Applicants must not have previously received a $1000 Ad Astra Kansas Foundation Scholarship. Honorable Mention recipients are eligible to apply.
To be considered for this scholarship, complete this online Google Application Form by March 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time.
To apply, click here.