Apply Now: Patti Grace Smith Fellowship (United States)

Deadline: 04-Oct-2026

The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship supports Black undergraduate students in the United States who are seeking their first paid internship in aerospace. Fellows receive a paid aerospace internship, living-wage support, a cash grant, personalized mentorship, and access to a professional network of Black peers and allies. What Is the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship? The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship was created to honor the legacy of Patti Grace Smith and increase representation of Black professionals in the aerospace industry. The programme supports undergraduate students who are interested in building careers across the aerospace sector. It combines paid work experience, financial support, mentorship, and community-building to help students enter the industry with professional skills and networks. The fellowship welcomes students interested in both technical and non-technical aerospace careers. What Does the Fellowship Provide? Selected fellows receive a comprehensive package of professional and financial support, including: This broad focus recognises that the aerospace industry requires professionals with expertise beyond engineering and physical Sciences. Who Is Eligible? The fellowship is designed for Black or African-American undergraduate students in the United States.

Applicants must:

Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree programme. Identify as Black or African-American. Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, national, refugee, or asylee legally permitted to work in the United States. Be seeking their first paid internship in aerospace. Not have already begun their professional career in aerospace. The programme is intended for students at the beginning of their aerospace careers. First Aerospace Internship Requirement A central feature of the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship is its focus on students seeking their first paid aerospace internship. Applicants generally should not already have started a professional career in aerospace. However, the programme may consider exceptions in unique circumstances, so students with unusual educational or professional situations should review the current programme guidance before assuming they are ineligible. Why the Fellowship Matters Entering the aerospace industry can be challenging for students who lack professional networks, previous industry experience, or access to mentors. The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship addresses these barriers by combining: Paid industry experience Financial assistance One-to-one mentorship Peer support Professional networking Career development The programme also contributes to greater representation in aerospace by supporting Black students who have historically been underrepresented in the sector. How the Fellowship Works

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you:

Are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Associate’s programme. Identify as Black or African-American. Meet the programme’s U.S. citizenship, residency, or work-authorisation requirements. Have not yet begun a career in aerospace. Are seeking your first paid aerospace internship.

Step 2: Identify Your Aerospace Interests

Consider the area of aerospace that best matches your academic background and career goals. Your interests may include engineering, science, business, policy, journalism, or another relevant discipline.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Your application should demonstrate your interest in aerospace and explain what you hope to accomplish through the fellowship. Why professional aerospace experience would be valuable to you

Step 4: Demonstrate Your Potential

Applicants should clearly communicate their motivation to pursue a career in aerospace. Rather than simply listing achievements, explain how your experiences have shaped your goals and how the fellowship would help you take the next step.

Step 5: Participate in the Fellowship

Selected fellows receive their internship and participate in the fellowship’s broader mentorship and professional community. The combination of work experience and ongoing support is designed to help fellows build a strong foundation for a future aerospace career. Tips for Applicants Students preparing an application should consider the following: Be specific about your aerospace interests: Explain what areas excite you and why.

Show your potential: Academic performance is important, but so are projects, leadership, curiosity, and persistence.

Explain your career goals: Connect the fellowship with your long-term professional plans.

Highlight relevant experience: Include coursework, research, engineering projects, writing, policy activities, entrepreneurship, or other relevant work.

Use your personal story: Explain what motivates you to pursue aerospace.

Emphasize learning: The programme is designed for students entering the industry, so demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without confirming their undergraduate enrolment status. Failing to meet the programme’s Black or African-American eligibility requirement. Assuming any previous aerospace experience automatically qualifies as a first internship. Providing vague career goals. Focusing only on academic grades without explaining aerospace interests. Leaving out relevant projects or extracurricular experiences. Ignoring the programme’s work-authorisation requirements. Key Fellowship Details

Programme: Patti Grace Smith Fellowship

Primary field: Aerospace

Target applicants: Black/African-American undergraduate students

Study level: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree

Internship: Paid aerospace internship

Financial support: Living wage and cash grant

Additional support: Personalized mentorship and professional network

Career stage: Students seeking their first paid aerospace internship

Work eligibility: Applicants must be legally permitted to work in the United States

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship?