Patti Grace Smith Fellowship
Aerospace career fellowship serving talented Black undergraduates through paid internships, mentoring, professional development, community, and a cash grant.
- Award
- $2,500 cash grant plus paid aerospace internship and support
- Deadline
- Next window expected in August or September 2026
- Best for
- Black undergraduates seeking their first major aerospace internship
- Geographic eligibility
- United States work authorization required
- Number of awards
- 23 fellows in the Class of 2026
- Total program funding
- Not published
- Membership
- No membership requirement
- Application cycle
- Annual class
FlightSchoolList summarizes the program for planning. The sponsor's current rules and application always control.
View official applicationAbout this opportunity
The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship is a comprehensive aerospace career-launch program created to celebrate and serve Black excellence. Fellows receive employer access, a paid internship, senior and near-peer mentorship, leadership development, a cash grant, and entry into an active lifelong network.
Who can apply
Applicants should be current bachelor’s students or students in any year of an associate degree, have eligible U.S. work authorization, not yet be established in the aerospace workforce, and demonstrate strong character and commitment to the fellowship community.
What the award may cover
The fellowship includes interviews with aerospace employers, a paid internship, two mentors, a leadership summit, a $2,500 cash grant, and lifelong community and professional support.
How to apply
Prepare a résumé, transcript, written essay, multimedia submission, recommendations, and the other materials listed on the current application page. Applications generally open in late summer or early fall.
- Verify the current deadline and every eligibility requirement.
- Confirm how funds are paid and when they must be used.
- Prepare transcripts, certificates, logbook totals, references, and essays early.
- Save the confirmation and a complete copy of your submission.
Selection and application notes
Planning tip: The program considers technical and nontechnical aerospace interests, including engineering, science, business, policy, and journalism. Show both professional potential and contribution to community.