Grants and Scholarships

Did you know that if you are a NAR member between the ages of 17 and 22 attending college or a vocational school that you may be eligible to receive a NAR scholarship?  Or that young women majoring in STEM fields are eligible for a new scholarship sponsored by the Estes family? Are you a teacher who uses model rocketry in the classroom? Do you run an after-school program involving model rocketry? You are welcome to apply for a $500 grant to use in your program.

The deadline for applying for the NAR Scholarship (which automatically include the Len Fehskens and Jay Apt scholarships), the Gleda M. Estes Scholarship, the Cannon Grant, and the Extracurricular Activity Grant is June 1 of each year. Grants/scholarships are presented at the NAR annual meet (NARAM) held in late July/early August. You do not need to be present to receive a grant/scholarship.

These programs are ongoing. The NAR Board of Trustees funds the programs at the Winter board meeting. Download instructions and applications below.  Eligibility requirements are included in the instructions. If you have questions concerning these programs, please contact Mark Wise via email: mark.wise@nar.org.

NAR Scholarship

In 2001, the NAR Scholarship was inaugurated at NARAM. Since 2010, we have awarded up to ten $2,000 scholarships per year.

NAR Scholarship—Instructions and Application

Scholarship Recommendation Form

 

Robert L. Cannon Educator grant

In 2001, the Robert L. Cannon Educator grant was inaugurated at NARAM. Since 2010, we have awarded up to ten $500 Cannon grants per year.

Robert L. Cannon Grant—Instructions and Application

Scholarship Recommendation Form

 

Extracurricular Activity Grant

In 2015, the NAR Extracurricular Activity Grant (EAG) was initiated to provide up to ten $500 grants for after-school activities, such as rocket clubs, Scout, Civil Air Patrol, 4-H, or NAR section programs involving model rocketry.  TARC and SLI teams are not eligible for these grants.

Extracurricular Activity Grant—Instructions and Application

 

Gleda M. Estes Scholarship for the
Advancement of Young Women in STEM

In 2018, the Estes family announced the Gleda M. Estes Scholarship for the Advancement of Young Women in STEM. High school seniors and college freshmen majoring in STEM fields are eligible to apply for this $3,000 scholarship.  Recipients of the Estes Scholarship may not receive a NAR Scholarship in the same year but are welcome to apply for the NAR Scholarship in following years.  A separate application is required for the Estes Scholarship.

Gleda M. Estes Scholarship—Biography, Instructions and Application

 

Leonard Fehskens Memorial Scholarship

Also in 2018, the Leonard Fehskens Memorial Scholar­ship was established in memory of longtime NAR member Len Fehskens, who was well known for his creative rocket designs and passion for the hobby. His sister, Ms. Wini Labrecque, decided it would be appropriate to memorialize Len with a scholarship for aero­space engineering majors who participate in model rocketry. Aerospace engineering stu­dents who apply for the NAR Scholarship are automatically considered for this $2,000 scholarship. Recipients of the Fehskens Scholar­ship are welcome to apply for scholarships in following years.

Leonard Fehskens Memorial Scholarship—Eligibility, Instructions and Application

 

Jay Apt Endowed Scholarship

The Jay Apt Endowed Scholarship was cre­ated in 2021 by Dr. Jay Apt, NAR #4554, a veteran of four Space Shuttle flights and 50+ year NAR member. High school seniors and college freshmen planning to study science or engineering at a college or vocational school who apply for the NAR Scholarship are automatically consid­ered for this $2,000 scholarship. Recipients of the Jay Apt Scholarship may not receive a NAR Scholarship in the same year but are welcome to apply for the NAR Scholarship in following years.

Jay Apt Biography

Jay Apt Endowed Scholarship—Eligibility, Instructions and Application

Donating to a Scholarship or Grant Fund

NAR HQ will accept donations by any method: PayPal, check, cash, or as part of a new or renewing membership. All monies donated (for scholarships or otherwise) become part of the NAR general fund and are budgeted towards scholarships and other expenses as directed by the Board of Trustees.

The NAR Board will accept donations to a specific NAR-announced fund (such as the Cannon Fund or the archival work performed by the Museum of Flight). Such donations must clearly state the fund or scholarship name as a comment or memo with the donation.

Current scholarships and targeted funds include:

  • NAR Scholarships
  • Robert L. Cannon Educator Grant
  • NAR Extracurricular Activity Grants
  • Gleda M. Estes Scholarship for Young Women in STEM

NAR is also taking donations for the History Preservation Fund. Click here for details.

Creating a Scholarship or Targeted Fund

If you wish to create a scholarship or other targeted fund, please contact a NAR Board member. Donation Funds must be created through NAR Board action that will outline the agreement between parties for funding sources, duration of funds and all other applicable areas.

Recipients

( Most Recent Five Years)

2024

Gleda M. Estes Memorial Scholarship for the Advancement of Young Women in STEM 2024 ($3,000)
Amelia Keefe, University of Central Florida, Computer Science

Jay Apt Endowed Scholarship 2024 ($2,000)
William Usher, Purdue University, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Fehskens Memorial Scholarship 2024 ($2,000)
Rebecca Zurek, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering

NAR Scholarship Recipients 2024 ($2,000)
Dominic Bleacher, Ohio Northern University, Mechanical Engineering
William Boersma, LeTourneau University, Mechanical Engineering
Elise Fan, University of California Berkeley, Mechanical Engineering
Sunjum Mehta, University of Maryland – College Park, Aerospace Engineering
Katelyn Morgan, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Aeronautical Engineering
Anna Moses, Virginia Commonwealth University, Physics
Aaryan Nagarkatti, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering
Peter Nguyen, Cornell University, Mechanical Engineering
Sam Theil, University of Cincinnati, Mechanical Engineering
Madelyn Torrans, Cedarville University, Mechanical Engineering

Robert Cannon Educator Grants 2024 ($500)
Kara Anderson, Shephard Middle School, Ottawa, IL
Lisa Balazs, Jagic City Acceptance Center, Homewood, AL
Trina Forrest, Dr. John C. Page School, West Newbury, MA
Richard Heggan, Medford Lakes Neeta School, Medford, NJ
Wyant May, New London Jr & Sr High School, New London, IA

NAR Extracurricular Activity Grants 2024 ($500)
Craig Beals, Billings Senior High School, Billings, MT
Eric Dorward, Garden Spot Middle School, New Holland, NJ
Keke Kincaid, Cub Scouts Pack 1203, San Pedro, CA
Bob Phinney, New England Sci-Tech, Natick, MA
Matthew Scandrol, Satchel Ford Elementary School, Columbia, SC

 

2023

Gleda M. Estes Scholarship for the Advancement of Young Women in STEM 2023 ($3,000)
Ashley Van Milligan, University of North Texas, Biomedical Engineering

Jay Apt Endowed Scholarship 2023 ($2,000)
Jayla Wyant, Missouri Southern State University, Biology

Fehskens Memorial Scholarship 2023 ($2,000)
Rebecca Zurek, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering

NAR Scholarship Recipients 2023 ($2,000)
Nathan Engman, Bethel University, Mechanical Engineering
Aidan Henbest, Worcester Polytechnic University, Data Science
Yui Matsumoto, University of Michigan, Engineering
Miles McCortney, Rochester Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering – Aerospace Focus, Political Science, Russian Language/Culture
Sunjum Mehta, University of Maryland College Park, Aerospace Engineering
Noah Milivojevic, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Aerospace Engineering
Katelyn Morgan, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Aerospace Engineering
Danielle Price, University of Cincinnati, Aerospace Engineering
Dylan Tichy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering
Madelyn Torrans, Cedarville University, Mechanical Engineering

Robert Cannon Educator Grants 2023 ($500)
David Duffield, Vanguard High School NJROTC, Ocala, FL
Trina Forrest, Dr. John C. Page School, West Newbury, MA
Richard Heggan, Medford Lakes Neeta School, Medford, NJ
Jason Huffman, Irmo High School, Columbia, SC
Jerry Iacona, William A Robinson School, Hamilton, NJ
Robyn Jackson, Challenger Learning Center, Columbia, SC
Michael O’Connell, Chester Middle School, Chester, SD
Vita Segars, Heyward Gibbes Middle School, Columbia, SC

NAR Extracurricular Activity Grants 2023 ($500)
Aaron Dimock, St. Peter High School, St. Peter, MN
Henry LaFever, Beartooth Composite Squardron, Billings, MT
Andrew Smith, Dorothy McElhinney Middle School, Murrieta, CA
Wacey Stavinoha, Shaw Space Program, Pasadena, TX

 

2022

Gleda M. Estes Scholarship for the Advancement of Young Women in STEM 2022 ($3,000)
Annaka Moses, Virginia Commonwealth University, Physics with a Concentration on Pre-Medicine

Jay Apt Endowed Scholarship 2022 ($2,000)
Noah Milivojevic, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Aerospace Engineering

Fehskens Memorial Scholarship 2022 ($2,000)
Rebecca Zurek, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering

NAR Scholarship Recipients 2022 ($2,000)
Sarah Alexander, Penn State Erie – The Behrend College, Biology
Stoil Avramov, Capitol Technology University, Unmanned and Autonomous Systems
Ryan Cheng, Miami University, Robotics and Electro-mechanical Engineering
Elizabeth Fineberg, University of Illinois, Computer Science and Music
Soren Frederiksen, Cedarville University, Mechanical Engineering
Sunjum Mehta, University of Maryland College Park, Aerospace Engineering
Katelyn Morgan, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Aerospace Engineering
Miles Owens, University of Rochester, Mechanical Engineering
Teresa Tomasino, Oakland University, Mechanical Engineering
Andrew Yerkey, Cedarville University, Mechanical Engineering

Robert Cannon Educator Grants 2022 ($500)
Eugene Angus, Parkhurst Academy, Eau Gallie, FL
Rebecca Ciprani, Windham Technical High School, Williamtic, CT
Jude Chea, Hand Middle School, Columbia, SC
Trina Forrest, Dr. John C. Page School, West Newbury, MA
Richard Heggan, Medford Lakes Neeta School, Medford, NJ
Robyn Jackson, Challenger Learning Center, Columbia, SC
Michael Liptay, Monroeville Elementary School, Monroeville, OH
Jason Petula, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Millersville, PA

NAR Extracurricular Activity Grants 2022 ($500)James Boneck, Conway Middle School, Louisville, KY
Eric Dorward, Garden Spot Middle School, New Holland, PA
Paddy Flannery, The Heartland Organization of Rocketry, NAR section #562, Omaha, NE
Jay Harris, Temple Christian School Eagle Rocketry Club, Fort Worth, TX
Daemon Hobbs, Lexington High School AFJROTC, Lexington, SC
Popi Makris, After School Brilliance, Madison, NC
Michael O’Connell, Chester Middle School, Chester, SD
Robert Phinney, New England Sci-Tech Inc., Natick, MA
Victoria Thomson, East Lyme High School, East Lyme, CT

 

2021

Gleda M. Estes Scholarship for the Advancement of Young Women in STEM 2021 ($3,000)
Rebecca Zurek, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering

Fehskens Memorial Scholarship Recipient 2021 ($2,000)
Harlem Lilley, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering

NAR Scholarship Recipients 2021 ($2,000)
Sarah Alexander, Penn State Erie – The Behrend College, Biology
Jason Brown, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Aerospace Engineering
Jenna Butler, Aurora University, Chemistry and Mathematics
Elizabeth Fineberg, University of Illinois, Computer Science and Music
Haley Kampert, United States Military Academy, Mechanical Engineering
Gabriel Mills, Virginia Tech, Electrical Engineering
Alex Saunders, University of Rochester, Mechanical Engineering
Teresa Tomasino, Oakland University, Mechanical Engineering
Natasha Wilson, Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering
Andrew Yerkey, Cedarville University, Mechanical Engineering

Robert Cannon Educator Grants 2021 ($500)
Rick Heggan, Medford Lakes Neeta School, Medford NJ
Robyn Jackson, Challenger Learning Center, Columbia SC
David Maloney, LaSalle Institute, Troy NY
Mary McFetridge, North Pole High School, North Pole AK

NAR Extracurricular Activity Grants 2021 ($500)
Jay Harris, Temple Christian School Eagle Rocketry Club, Fort Worth TX
Robin Houston, Chesapeake Math & IT High School, Upper Marlboro MD
Mike O’Connell, Chester Area Middle School, Chester SD
Alan Pritchard, Waccamaw High School, Pawleys Island SC
Michelle Riordan, Egg Harbor Township Police Activities League, Egg Harbor Township NJ
Wacey Stavinoha, Bobby Shaw Middle School,  Pasadena TX
Daniel Wheelock, Aerospace Club, Las Vegas NV
Jeff Woodhams, Red Lion School District, Red Lion PA

 

2020

Gleda M. Estes Scholarship for the Advancement of Young Women in STEM 2020 ($3,000)
Candace Do, Princeton University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

 Fehskens Memorial Scholarship Recipient 2020 ($2,000)
Charis Houston, Capitol Technology University, Astronautical Engineering

 NAR Scholarship Recipients 2020 ($2,000)
Sarah Alexander, Penn State Erie – The Behrend College, Biology
Jenna Butler, Aurora University, Chemistry and Mathematics
Isabella DeLorenzo, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Engineering Physics
Elizabeth Fineberg, University of Illinois, Computer Science and Music
Mikaela Ikeda, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering
Gabriel Mills, Virginia Tech, General Engineering
Collin Ruprecht, University of Colorado, Mechanical Engineering
Teresa Tomasino, Oakland University, Mechanical Engineering
Jonathan Tran, Cornell University, Computer Science and Statistical Science
Andrew Yerkey, Cedarville University, Mechanical Engineering

NAR Scholarship Recipients 2020 ($1,000)
Bryce Kampert, U.S. Air Force Academy, Astronautical Engineering
Jacob Rains, Denison University, Political Science
Owen Read, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Enginerring
Allison Van Milligan, Liberty University, Biomedical Sciences

Robert Cannon Educator Grants 2020 ($500)
Allen Cox, Abraham Lincoln High School, Los Angeles, CA
Ginger DeVillers, Plainwell Aviation and STEM Academy, Plainwell, MI
Rick Heggan, Medford Lakes Neeta School, Medford, NJ
Robyn Jackson, Challenger Learning Center, Columbia, SC
Wyantt May, Brandon High School, Brandon, FL

NAR Extracurricular Activity Grants 2020 ($500)
Ann Bizzano, Foothills Cadet Squadron, Broomfield, CO
Jeffrey Coggin, Heritage High School, Maryville, TN
Andrea Earl, Fundamental Intermediate School, Santa Ana, CA
Henry LaFever, Big Sky Science Education Enhancement, Billings, MT
Shem Thompson, Interlake Rocketry Club, Bellevue, WA

 

 

Previous Award and Scholarship Winners are listed here.

Sample Press Release for Grant and Scholarship Recipients
NAR Scholarship Recipients Winner Photo Gallery