The mission of AIAA Rising Stars in Aerospace is to provide opportunities for underrepresented university students who have an interest in or are pursuing a degree in aerospace to attend an AIAA forum or event, make connections, and form lifelong relationships with colleagues in industry, academia, and government. This program will be available to undergraduate students only.
Rising Stars in Aerospace
Applications for Rising Star Program at AIAA SciTech Forum 2027
Applications will open August 2026
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to participate in the AIAA Rising Stars program, student applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements below:
- Must be studying at an accredited college/university
- Undergraduate students only
- Must be at least 18 years old to participate in the program.
- Have not previously attended an AIAA forum (AIAA SciTech Forum, AIAA AVIATION Forum, or ASCEND)
Application Process and Details
A completed application requires the following information from all applicants
- Basic information about you
- Your university and degree information
- A resume or CV (optional, to help judges learn more about your background)
- Answers to three short-answer essay questions
- University or college transcripts (unofficial copy is ok)
Applications take an average of 30 minutes to complete.
Program Details
Students selected for a Rising Stars scholarship will receive the following, covered by the AIAA Rising Stars Program:
- Round-trip economy airfare (up to a designated cost limit
- Conference registration (includes access to all networking events)
- Hotel room for the duration of the conference in host hotel
- A customized schedule
- Special small-group meetings with aerospace industry leaders
- The opportunity to make new friends that will last a lifetime
ASCEND 202619 May 2026 - 21 May 2026
Washington, DCJoin us 19–21 May 2026 to access inspiring sessions and premium content, develop valuable business leads, and make meaningful connections.
AIAA AVIATION Forum 20268 June 2026 - 12 June 2026
San Diego, CaliforniaThe AIAA AVIATION Forum is the only aviation event that covers the entire integrated spectrum of aviation business, research, development, and technology.
AIAA SciTech Forum 202711 January 2027 - 15 January 2027
Orlando, Florida, USAThe AIAA SciTech Forum program covers the science, technologies, and policies that are shaping the future of aerospace. The forum is the largest event for aerospace research, development, and technology in the world.
SciTech 2026 Rising Stars
AIAA Rising Stars mingling at the Student Lounge, Orlando, FL, January 2026.
AIAA Rising Stars enjoying their time at the forum, Orlando, FL, January 2026.
2025 AVIATION/ASCEND Rising Stars
Rising Stars speaking with Aymette “Amy” Medina Jorge, Las Vegas, NV, July 2025.
AIAA Rising Stars enjoying ASCEND in Las Vegas, NV, July 2025.
The Rising Stars in Aerospace program is made possible by
SciTech 2026 Rising Stars
Testimonials
