posted 06-21-2024 12:06 PM               

Celebrating 40 Years of ASF

Commemorate the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s 40 years of excellence in honoring America’s legends and inspiring tomorrow’s innovators.

Forty years ago, the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts (Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton), Betty Grissom, William Douglas, M.D. and Henri Landwirth established the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Since its inception, the ASF had the mission of retaining the United States world leadership in technology and innovation to support the very best and brightest scholars in STEM while commemorating the legacy of America's pioneering astronauts.

From the original 7 scholarships in 1984, ASF has awarded more than $9 million Astronaut Scholarships to more than 800 Astronaut Scholars from 48 universities across the nation.

Dr. William Douglas and Dr. Al Miller, key contributors to the ASF's success, played vital roles in shaping its legacy. Dr. Douglas was the Project Mercury surgeon and a founder of the ASF. Dr. Miller was the first Scholarship Selection Chairman who designed ASF's unique process for obtaining nominations and selecting the top college students studying STEM. He was also one of the members who helped kickstart the Astronaut Scholars Honor Society, an alumni network that ensures all scholarship award recipients have a lifelong relationship with the Foundation.

posted 06-21-2024 12:06 PM               

Countdown to Founders' Day

Limited Edition Mercury 7 Foundation Certificate

Throughout our 40th Anniversary, donors have shared many memories, including photos from past events, meeting iconic astronauts and historic items dating back to 1986. Of those signed items was a certificate given to individuals who donated to the Mercury 7 Foundation (now known as the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation) signed by Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton.

In honor of the Mercury 7 Astronaut legacy and celebration of our 40th Anniversary, we're thrilled to announce that we are reproducing the Mercury 7 Foundation certificates. Starting today until July 19th, you can donate to ASF to receive a numbered certificate signed by some of our founders and Board of Director members. Your generous gift to ASF will also be doubled thanks to the ASF Chairmen and their families.

• Make a gift of $1,984 to receive: Numbered certificate signed by Jim Lovell, Charlie Duke, Dan Brandenstein and Curt Brown

• Make a gift of $719 to receive: Numbered certificate signed by Dan Brandenstein and Curt Brown

posted 07-03-2024 10:15 AM               

Captain Jim Lovell and his children are making a significant contribution to advance ASF into the next 40 years. Watch the video for the announcement.

posted 07-12-2024 01:47 PM               

It's All Thanks to You!

Thanks to our ASF Family, we have reached our Founder's Day $40,000 goal!!! These funds will provide scholarships, mentoring, professional development and other programs that are important to helping advance our Astronaut Scholars.

We appreciated your support as we continue to countdown to our 40th anniversary Founder’s Day on July 19th!

Please continue to celebrate with us and support the Foundation by:

• Donate $1,984 for an exclusive signed certificate signed by Lovell, Duke, Brandenstein, Brown

• Donate $719 to receive a certificate signed by Brandenstein and Brown

• Sign up to give monthly gift of $19.84 to commemorate our founding year – you will receive our commemorative 40th anniversary lapel pin!

• Make a one-time annual gift

• Ask your employer to match your giving

Thank you for the investment you have made into ASF throughout the years. We couldn’t have made it 40 years without YOU.

posted 07-19-2026 01:13 PM               

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Announces Historic $500,000 Gift from Jared Isaacman

Largest individual donation in ASF history will fuel the future of innovation and exploration

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) announced a transformational $500,000 personal commitment from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman — the largest one-time individual gift in the organization's history and a significant personal contribution from an individual donor in support of STEM education.

The five-year pledge marks a milestone investment in ASF's mission to support exceptional college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), reinforcing the Foundation's role in preparing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and explorers.

The investment comes at a pivotal time, as ASF continues to support the Artemis generation — students poised to launch the next era of exploration, from the Moon to missions beyond.

"This extraordinary commitment represents a defining moment for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation," said Colleen Middlebrooks, President and CEO of ASF. "Jared's investment will elevate our ability to identify and support the nation's most promising STEM students while reinforcing the importance of building a strong pipeline of talent for the future. This is a truly organization-changing gift — one that will expand opportunity, strengthen our mission and impact scholars for generations to come."

Isaacman has long demonstrated a commitment to advancing space exploration and inspiring future generations. His gift to ASF represents his largest philanthropic investment to date in a national educational STEM organization.

"Throughout my career, I've been inspired by those who push the boundaries of what's possible — and by the people who are determined to go even further," said Isaacman. "That's exactly what the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is doing — championing students who take risks, tackle hard problems and pursue bold ideas. ASF isn't just supporting scholars — it's fueling a community of innovators connected to those who have led exploration firsthand. These students are the Artemis generation, and their potential is limitless. I'm incredibly excited to support their journey as they push beyond what we know today."

Founded in 1984 by the Mercury 7 astronauts, ASF has awarded more than $10 million in scholarships to outstanding STEM students nationwide. In addition to financial support, the Foundation provides Astronaut Scholars with unparalleled access to mentorship from astronauts, professional development opportunities and lifelong engagement in a network of leaders shaping the future of science and technology.

Isaacman's gift will directly enhance ASF's ability to attract, fund and support top scholars across the country, strengthening the pipeline of talent essential to maintaining U.S. leadership in innovation and space exploration.