Undergraduate Research Scholarships 2025 by North Carolina Space Grant

he Undergraduate Research Scholarships 2025, offered by the North Carolina Space Grant, are open for applications from undergraduate students pursuing degrees in STEM fields at accredited colleges or universities in North Carolina. This prestigious program aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of STEM professionals through research aligned with NASA’s Mission Directorates, commercial space activities, and the International Space Station (ISS).

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of this competitive scholarship will receive:

• Award Amount: $8,000 per student.
• Research Duration: A 12-month funded research period from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.
• Additional Support: Funding for related travel within the total award package.

At least 10 scholarships will be awarded, contingent on NASA funding and the quality of submitted proposals.

Degree Levels

The scholarship is exclusively available to undergraduate students enrolled in STEM programs. Applicants must propose a research project that directly aligns with NASA’s goals and NC Space Grant’s Strategic Plan.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

1. Be a United States citizen.
2. Be enrolled full-time in a STEM bachelor’s degree program at an accredited North Carolina college or university during the 2025–2026 academic year.
3. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
4. Propose a faculty-mentored research project with direct relevance to NASA’s Mission Directorates, commercial space, or the ISS U.S. National Lab.
5. Meet the application requirements, including submission of a faculty recommendation letter and unofficial transcripts.

Research Objectives and Requirements

• The research must align with one or more NASA Mission Directorates, such as Aeronautics Research, Science, Space Operations, or Space Technology.
• Projects should adhere to the NC Space Grant Strategic Plan and have applications in NASA-related or commercial space fields.
• Research must be conducted under faculty supervision at an academic, industrial, or government facility, or virtually as per university policies.

Application Process

1. Complete the online application here https://ncspacegrant.ncsu.edu/higher-ed-opportunities/undergraduate-research-scholarships/.
2. Submit a research proposal outlining project description, goals, methodology, and alignment with NASA’s objectives.
3. Provide a faculty recommendation letter and unofficial transcripts as part of the application package.

Applicants must adhere to the instructions outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: March 14, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET.
• Faculty Recommendation Letter Deadline: March 17, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET.
• Awards will be announced on or around April 30, 2025.