Frequently Asked Questions

The Sally Ride Fellowship Program is available to any US undergraduate college/university student who is part of the LGBTQ+ community looking to work full-time in the space industry. The goal of the program is to help make an impact in promoting LGBTQ+ excellence in an industry where we have historically been underrepresented.

The application for the fellowship program will open in the Fall of 2024, with the first cohort selected to have their internships in the Summer of 2025. The application will include personal essays, background academic information, and survey information to better match your career goals with our host companies. 

Once the submission deadline has arrived, we will review each candidate's application and conduct interviews to narrow down the field to match the number of host companies we've partnered with. Finalists will then interview directly with the host companies, and those who get accepted will become fellows of the Sally Ride Fellowship Program who will receive a summer internship and professional mentorship.

Yes! The goal of the Sally Ride Fellowship Program is to support young professionals in their goals in the space industry, and that especially includes people looking to get their foot in the door. We understand how hard it can be to get that first internship, so we're looking for qualified candidates with all kinds of experience looking to take their careers to the next level. We highly encourage underclassmen to apply.

Yes! We understand that students may want to wait to submit applications until closer to the deadline to have more polish while also making sure their LoRs arrive on time. As such, the order of which you submit your application and LoRs works either way.

Unfortunately at this time, we don't have positions available for non-US citizens due to ITAR restrictions at our host companies, but we are looking to expand our host company options in the future to include positions that non-US citizens are eligible for.

While the goal of the Sally Ride Fellowship is to help make a world where no one has to hide their sexuality or gender identity for fear of retaliation, we understand the need for people to stay safe if they aren't yet ready to come out publicly. Candidates will be given the option to remain anonymous if they so choose, and it will not factor into any participant's chances of becoming a Sally Ride Fellow. We will work with all fellows to ensure that all publicity is within their own comfort levels.

Check out our social media where we will post updates about the organization and join our Discord to chat with other applicants about your application and get to know the wider LGBTQ+ space community!