In 2019, Dr. Bernard Harris began funding the new initiative that focused specifically on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and African American Astronauts are playing an important role in making sure the STEM students attending ASF partner HBCUs are recognized for their great achievements and groundbreaking research, and are supported as they change the future.

We are grateful for the support of Dr. Harris and the countless others who have passionately joined his efforts. Since 2020, Dr. Harris and the HBCU Astronaut Group have sponsored seven Astronaut Scholars from North Carolina A&T State University, four Astronaut Scholars from Morgan State University and three Astronaut Scholars from Spelman College; In 2024 we welcomed our first Astronaut Scholar from Howard University!

Bernard Harris has generously donated $50,000 to lead us in this effort. “I am excited to sponsor the creation of the new Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) award in support of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCUs have been involved with NASA and the space industry in fulfilling its mission for many years, so it is important that we sustain the pipeline of innovators from these institutions.”

Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr.

– STS-55, STS-63

Dr. Bernard Harris