About Company
U.S.-based nonprofit providing Black undergraduates with paid aerospace internships, mentorship, and a supportive community to diversify the aerospace industry.
Job Description
Patti Grace Smith Fellowship – Class of 2026 Applications Open
The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship (PGSF) celebrates and serves Black Excellence in Aerospace. This program is designed for talented Black and African-American undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees in aerospace-related fields and who have not yet begun their careers in the aerospace industry.
Named in honor of trailblazer Ms. Patti Grace Smith, the fellowship provides students with mentorship, internships, community, and resources to help them thrive in aviation and space.
Program Highlights
As a Patti Grace Smith Fellow, you’ll receive:
A paid aerospace internship with a leading company or organization
A cash grant and living wage support
Access to a supportive network of peers, alumni, and allies
A life-changing professional development experience
Whether your interests are in engineering, science, business, policy, or journalism, this fellowship is open to you.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, all of the following must be true:
You are a current student in a Bachelor’s program or any year of an Associate’s program.
You are a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, U.S. National, Refugee (8 U.S.C. § 1157), or Asylee (8 U.S.C. § 1158), and legally permitted to work in the U.S.
You are not yet part of the aerospace workforce (typically seeking your first paid internship in aerospace).
You are of strong moral character and dedicated to advancing the mission of the fellowship community.
Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following:
Résumé (1 page, PDF)
Highlight academic work, leadership, clubs, projects, past jobs (even outside aerospace).
Transcript (unofficial accepted, PDF)
Must show completed coursework; high school transcript accepted for first-semester undergraduates.
File format:
Two Letters of Recommendation
One focused on your aptitude, skills, and potential in your field.
One focused on your character, creativity, and consistency.
Letters must be submitted directly through the application portal by October 12, 2025.
Timeline
Application Opens: September 2025
Letters of Recommendation Due: October 12, 2025
Resources for Applicants
Join the Applicant Discord to connect with alumni and peers.
Use our free How-To Guides for résumé, essays, and recommendations.
Access tips directly from past fellows to strengthen your application.
How to Apply
Start your application today through our portal: https://www.pgsfellowship.org/apply