Patti Grace Smith Fellowship — Fellowship

The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship is a US program that places students not yet in the aerospace workforce in paid summer internships at American aerospace companies and institutions, with mentorship and a peer community.

It celebrates and serves Black excellence in aerospace and welcomes all eligible applicants. Roles span engineering, science, business, policy, journalism and communications; the fellowship matches each candidate with suitable host employers.

Benefits & funding

A paid summer internship of about 12 weeks at a participating US aerospace company or institution, at a living wage.
A flexible cash grant of US$2,500 or more for tuition, school fees or study tools.
Two mentors: an industry leader and an early-career professional.
An annual summit and an ongoing alumni community.

Eligibility

Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree, or in any year of an associate degree.
A US citizen, US national or US permanent resident, or a refugee (8 U.S.C. § 1157) or asylee (8 U.S.C. § 1158) in the United States, and legally permitted to work in the United States.
Not yet in the aerospace workforce; exceptions such as military service or aerospace work unrelated to the intended path are explained in an essay.
Any major, with skills and interests relevant to an aerospace career.
Of strong moral character and dedicated to the program’s mission.
Individual host companies may add their own work-eligibility requirements.

Application process

1
Apply online by 9 October 2026, 11:59:59 pm US Eastern, with a résumé, transcript and three original works: an essay, a multimedia piece and one prompt response.
2
Two recommendation letters are due 4 October 2026, with a 48-hour grace period.
3
Applicants with prior aerospace employment add a 250–500-word essay.
4
Shortlisted candidates interview with the fellowship, then go through host companies’ own selection, which may include technical tests.

Program timeline

Applications opened.
18 August 2026
Recommendation letters due (48-hour grace period).
4 October 2026
9 October 2026
Application deadline, 11:59:59 pm US Eastern (apply page); the portal lists 3:00 am EDT, 10 October.
Decisions, typically.
December 2026
~12-week internships; dates set by each host.
Summer 2027

Can you apply?