The USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards provides college scholarships to students who have shown a career interest in fields of space science, aerospace engineering, aeronautics-related sciences, or space science education. Eligible majors may include, but are not limited to, aerospace engineering, astronomy, astrobiology, computer science, earth science, electrical engineering, geophysics, geology, mechanical engineering, physics, and space science education. Applicants must be full-time undergraduates who are within two years of earning a B.A. or B.S. Applicants must also be U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
The application must include: a completed application form; a one-page statement stating the applicant's career goals, and relevant past accomplishments and education in the field of space research, aerospace related engineering, or space science education; a half-page description of particular examples of extra-curricular activities that demonstrate leadership or having a broader impact; two letters of recommendation with at least one from a professor, mentor, or school official at the college level; and an official transcript.