The Interstellar Research Group (IRG) Scholarship was created to support the next generation of innovators, scientists, and explorers who will help advance humanity’s long-term goal of interstellar travel. The $2,500 scholarships (including the Tim Bolgeo Memorial Scholarship), sponsored by IRG supporters, are merit-based and require applicants to complete an essay with their application forms.
Scholarship Details
- Supports accepted or enrolled undergrad, grad or doctoral students
- Application window: September 15th to December 15th at 5 p.m. EST
- Open to students studying fields that can contribute to interstellar travel or future civilizations
- Applications must be typed, follow all instructions, and be submitted via email
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a U.S. citizen living in the U.S. or its territories
- Must be accepted to or enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university
- Open to high school seniors and current undergraduate students as well as grad and doctoral students
- Eligible fields include STEM disciplines, ecology, social sciences, environmental studies, health, law, business, agriculture, food sciences, education, construction, computer science, and any majors applicable to interstellar mission planning or future human settlements
Application Process
- Download and complete the IRG Scholarship Application form
- Prepare a one-page biographical statement (250 words max) describing your background, career goals, community service, and student activities
- Write a 1,000–1,500-word essay in Word (.docx) format on one of the approved topics related to interstellar exploration or humanity’s future in space
- List any colleges attended with start and end dates, if applicable
- Obtain and include official school transcripts
- Provide a copy of your college acceptance letter or enrollment verification
- Submit proof of Fall enrollment
- Ensure no documents include your Social Security number
- Save your application using the required file naming format
The Interstellar Research Group “was created to foster and assist the study, research and experimentation necessary to make human interstellar travel a reality, with untold benefits to life on Earth,” said IRG President Emeritus John Preston. “We can imagine no better way to demonstrate that goal than the creation of these scholarships, helping new generations of thinkers, builders and explorers to set their sights on the stars.”
