USA Scholarships
Michael P. Anderson Space Science Scholarship 2027
The Michael P. Anderson Scholarship in Space Science pays $1,000 to one African American undergraduate physics major each year through the National Society of Black Physicists. Colonel Michael P. Anderson was a physicist, NASA astronaut, and NSBP supporter who died aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. NSBP pairs this memorial fund with other space-science scholarships honoring Ronald McNair and related pioneers. You must be a junior or senior physics major at an accredited four-year college or research university, and NSBP evaluates versatility, judgment, academic record, and any independent study work shown in your file. Physics directories and CareerOneStop historically set the deadline on January 12 with applications sent to the NSBP scholarship committee chair in Arlington, Virginia, or [email protected]. Membership benefits pages note that NSBP awards multiple undergraduate scholarships annually, so download the current Anderson checklist before you assume mailing instructions from older listings.
What is the Michael P. Anderson Scholarship in Space Science?
Colonel Michael P. Anderson flew physics experiments off the planet and came home to encourage the next generation of Black scientists until Columbia STS-107 ended his career in 2003. The National Society of Black Physicists keeps his name on a $1,000 undergraduate scholarship aimed at African American physics majors who want to push deeper into space science. You will not get a full ride here. What you do get is recognition from the premier professional home for Black physicists, plus cash that can cover textbooks, conference registration, or a summer research gap.
NSBP expects juniors and seniors, not first-year students still deciding on a major. Judges read for scientific maturity: how you handle independent study, whether your transcript shows real physics depth, and whether your references can speak to judgment under pressure. The historical deadline sits on January 12, which means you should line up official transcripts while professors are still answering email in December. Application delivery has shifted over the years between mailed packets and member-only portals, so treat [email protected] as your source of truth.
If you are building a space-science path, pair this award with broader NSBP programming. The society runs internships, leadership summits, and separate memorial funds honoring Ronald McNair and other pioneers. Membership also opens doors to the Simons-NSBP summer research cohort when that cycle is live. For nearby options outside NSBP, see the NASA JPL Year-Round Internship for paid Lab experience and the AfterCollege Engineering & Technology Student Scholarship for quarterly STEM awards when that program returns.
Eligibility
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✓African American undergraduateNSBP scholarship listings require African American applicants. The award supports Black physics majors pursuing space-science careers.
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✓Physics major at a four-year institutionYou must major in physics at an accredited four-year college or research university in the United States. Pre-physics sophomores should wait until they meet junior standing requirements.
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✓Junior or senior class standingApplicants need to be in the junior or senior year when they apply. NSBP uses that window to review upper-level coursework and research potential.
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✓Strong academic and research potentialSelection weighs scientific ability, versatility, sound judgment, major strengths and weaknesses, and performance in independent study documented through transcripts and references.
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✓Complete NSBP application packageSubmit the full scholarship application, official transcripts, and any required envelopes or reference materials listed in the current NSBP instructions.
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✓NSBP membership recommendedNSBP membership benefits pages highlight scholarship access for members. Create or renew membership at nsbp.org if the current cycle requires it.
Benefits
- Cash scholarship $1,000
- Number of awards 1 per year
- Renewable One-time only
- Summer research stipend Not included (see Simons-NSBP program separately)
- Conference travel Not covered
- Tuition paid directly to school Paid to recipient per NSBP rules
Document checklist
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✓NSBP Michael P. Anderson application formRequest the current application from nsbp.org or [email protected]. Older listings referenced a paper packet mailed to the scholarship committee chair.
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✓Official academic transcriptsSend official transcripts showing junior or senior physics coursework, cumulative GPA, and independent study grades if applicable.
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✓Self-addressed stamped envelopeHistorical NSBP instructions asked for a stamped envelope when mailing paper applications to Arlington, Virginia. Confirm whether email submission replaced mail.
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✓Independent study or research summaryIf you completed physics research or an independent study, summarize the project and outcomes in the application narrative or an attached statement.
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✓Reference contact informationBe ready to supply faculty mentors who can speak to your scientific judgment and potential if NSBP requests references for this cycle.
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✓NSBP membership confirmationKeep your membership receipt or student member ID handy if the updated form ties scholarship eligibility to active NSBP membership.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
Who was Michael P. Anderson?
Michael P. Anderson was a US Air Force officer, physicist, and NASA astronaut who flew on Space Shuttle missions including Columbia STS-107. NSBP memorializes him through this space-science scholarship alongside funds honoring Ronald McNair and other Black physicists in aerospace.
How much is the Michael P. Anderson NSBP scholarship?
The award is $1,000 paid once to a single recipient each cycle according to CareerOneStop and NSBP scholarship listings.
Do I need to be a physics major for the Anderson scholarship?
Yes. NSBP restricts the fund to undergraduate physics majors at four-year colleges or research universities. Astronomy or astrophysics majors may qualify if your degree is housed within physics; confirm with NSBP if your department name differs.
When is the Michael P. Anderson scholarship deadline?
Historical NSBP listings used January 12. Because the society updates forms periodically, email [email protected] at the start of your senior or junior year to confirm the exact 2027 date.
Is NSBP membership required for the Anderson scholarship?
Membership benefits pages emphasize scholarships for NSBP members, and other NSBP funds explicitly require membership. Treat active student membership as strongly recommended and verify whether the Anderson form makes it mandatory this cycle.
Can graduate students apply for the Michael P. Anderson award?
No. Directory listings limit the Anderson scholarship to junior and senior undergraduates majoring in physics. Graduate students should explore other NSBP awards or research internships instead.
How do I submit the Michael P. Anderson application?
Older instructions mailed the packet to the Scholarship Committee Chair, National Society of Black Physicists, 6704G Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22205, with official transcripts and [email protected] as the contact email. Download the current instructions before mailing or uploading.
How is the Anderson scholarship winner chosen?
NSBP evaluates scientific abilities and potential, including versatility, judgment, academic strengths or weaknesses, and independent study performance reflected in transcripts and application materials.
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