The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation leverages the knowledge, experience and network of the astronauts, successful business and industry leaders, as well as scholar alumni who have successfully navigated their careers and are willing to mentor others. The insight passed from mentor to mentee propels scholars in the right direction to fully recognize and utilize their world-changing potential.
The structure of the Mentor Program is based on the sharing of knowledge and wisdom in order to promote successful researchers, professionals and world changers. Age and experience fuel the mentor in advising and steering the up-and-coming professional with information, understanding and insight that only time and past experiences can provide. Through this program, we offer the opportunity to build peer support, friendships and guidance to help the students transition into the workforce or navigate their next career steps. Often, new or discounted directions and options are discovered that without these relationships, would never be imagined or considered.
"In short, and with no exaggeration, my ASF Mentor Program experience this year has been life changing in the best way possible. My mentor is one of the most remarkable people that I have ever known and he has helped me tremendously over the last 6 months. That he would be so giving of his time to a complete stranger like me, and always convey that he actually cares about helping me, is as rare as it gets (especially given his high level of responsibility in his senior leadership role in public service)... I’ve told [him] directly how thankful I am to him, but I’ve not lost sight of how thankful I am to ASF. That $10k from 10+ years ago is nothing compared to the networking lottery that it comes with. I am living proof. I appreciate the team at ASF very much and hope to continue to give back in whatever small part that I can now and in the years that come..."
- Daniel Araya, 2007 Astronaut Scholar