If you’re a female or gender-minority undergraduate who’s ever thought about working in aerospace, there is one program you need to know about before anything else. It’s called the Brooke Owens Fellowship — and it might be the single best career accelerator in the space industry for early-career women.
Here’s what it is, what you get, and how to apply.
Who Was Brooke Owens?
The fellowship is named after D. Brooke Owens, a beloved pilot, space policy expert, and industry pioneer whose life and career inspired those around her to dream bigger and do better. She passed away in 2016, and the program was founded shortly after to carry her legacy forward. brookeowensfellowship
The fellowship was co-founded by Lori Garver, former Deputy Administrator of NASA; Cassie Lee, CEO of Sound Future; and Will Pomerantz, aerospace executive and long-time space advocate. It’s grown from a tribute into one of the most respected programs in the industry. brookeowensfellowship
What Do Fellows Actually Get?
This isn’t a scholarship or a one-time award. It’s a full experience built around four things:
Real opportunities. Fellows are connected to opportunities at some of the most exciting organizations in the aerospace industry. You’re not fetching coffee — you’re doing real work at real companies. brookeowensfellowship
Two mentors. Each fellow is paired with an Executive Mentor and a Brookie Alumni Mentor. These trusted guides range from astronauts to executives to policy experts to engineering professionals. brookeowensfellowship
Professional development. Through workshops, panels, and an exclusive annual Summit, fellows gain skills and confidence through private Q&A sessions with astronauts and CEOs. brookeowensfellowship
A lifelong network. Brookies join a lifelong network of extraordinary peers and supporters — a tight-knit community that provides connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging well past the summer. brookeowensfellowship
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is open to exceptional undergraduates who aspire to advance the aerospace industry. Fellows are selected not only for their talent and accomplishments, but also for their creativity, commitment to service, and leadership potential. brookeowensfellowship
You don’t have to be an engineering major. The program actively welcomes students from all backgrounds — policy, business, communications, science, and more.
What Happens After?
Alumni have gone on to launch rockets, shape aerospace policy, build hardware for space and aviation, and spark change across the industry. The Brooke Owens network is small, tight, and genuinely powerful. brookeowensfellowship
How to Apply
Applications for the Class of 2026 are open now. Head to brookeowensfellowship.org/apply to get started. If you have questions, the fellowship also offers info sessions and an “Ask a Brookie” feature where you can hear directly from past fellows.
Apply early. Put real effort into your application. This one is worth it.
If you’re a female or gender-minority undergraduate who’s ever thought about working in aerospace, there is one program you need to know about before anything else. It’s called the Brooke Owens Fellowship — and it might be the single best career accelerator in the space industry for early-career women.
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