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Scholars Give Back

Scholars Give Back is a scholar-organized giving campaign to support the next generation of Astronaut Scholars.
To date, more than $300,000 has been raised, by scholars, to support the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

Inspire. Fuel. Discover.

Overview

Each Astronaut Scholar has their own unique story of how becoming a recipient of the Astronaut Scholarship has impacted their education or career. To show their gratitude and share this opportunity with more students, the Astronaut Scholar Alumni created the Scholars Give Back Campaign in 2009. The first group of scholars gave modest amounts, similar to the humble beginnings of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Today, Astronaut Scholar Alumni contribute annually to support the newest class of Astronaut Scholars.



Astronaut Scholars Make an Impact

In addition to monetary gifts, Astronaut Scholars give back in multiple ways such as:
  Mentoring,
  Volunteering at events,
  Serving on committees.



"I own my career success to several great mentors. Working directly with scholars through ASF’s mentoring program enables me to give back. I remember how hard it was to navigate my early career, from choosing a thesis project in graduate school and finding the right lab for my postdoc, to looking for my first job in industry. It is fun to get to know these incredibly bright, young scientists and help them on their journey. ASF provides many great opportunities for me to pay it forward."
– 1999 Astronaut Scholar Douglas Sheridan




2021 Astronaut Scholar Give Back Ambassadors



Cole Kazemba

2009 Astronaut Scholar
University of Minnesota


Currently an Aerospace Engineer in the Entry Systems and Technology Division at NASA Ames Research Center as the lead entry vehicle systems engineer for the Dragonfly mission to the Saturnian moon Titan.

"I wanted to work at NASA since I was a young child. I worked as hard as possible during my education toward that goal, but it was not until I received the Astronaut Scholarship that I was able to see how that dream could become reality. The financial support from the scholarship, the network of peers and scholar alumni, and the experiences of participating in the ASF events really unlocked a set of opportunities that made it possible for me to be in the position I am in today. I give back to ASF because it is a scholarship that stands above the rest when it comes to making dreams come true."




Amanda Matheson

2017 Astronaut Scholar
Colorado School of Mines


Currently, a hardware engineer and founder of the environmental sustainability group at Dexcom, a continuous blood glucose sensing company.

"When I was a student at the Colorado School of Mines, ASF provided me with mentorship to navigate the graduate school search and application process. The most valuable opportunity that ASF provides to me now is connecting other scholars and mentors. The Foundation enables us to find the best and brightest scientists and engineers, and to work with them. I give back to ASF because I value these connections, and I want to pay it forward."




Additional Ways to Give Back

In addition to monetary gifts, Astronaut Scholars give back in multiple ways such as:
  Introduce your company to ASF (matching gift program, recruitment program, sponsorship opportunities)
  Host an Astronaut Scholar Meet-up for your region
  Follow ASF on social media
  Share your continued education or career updates



Become Part of the Scholars Give Back

Donate to Campaign

Note: Select "Designation > Scholars Give Back" on the donation form.



Give in Honor of an Astronaut Scholar

Family, friends, and employers of Astronaut Scholars are welcome to contribute to the Scholars Give Back Campaign in honor of a scholar. If you are making an honorary gift, please note the scholar’s name in the comment section and we will notify the scholar that a donation has been made in their name.





Donate to Campaign

    Donate to Campaign

    Note: Select "Designation > Scholars Give Back" on the donation form.


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