FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. Applicant FAQs

  2. Supporter FAQs

  3. External Organizations and Non-Profit Partner FAQs

  4. Donor FAQs

Applicant FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the Brooke Owens Fellowship?
The Fellowship is open to undergraduate students who identify as women or another gender minority (including nonbinary and gender non-conforming individuals). Applicants must be enrolled at a college or university at the time of application and interested in pursuing a career in aerospace.

Do I need to be majoring in aerospace engineering to apply?
Not at all. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds, including—but not limited to—engineering, science, business, communications, art, law, and policy. If you’re passionate about aerospace and making an impact in the field, we encourage you to apply.

Do I need U.S. citizenship to apply?
No. Students of all nationalities are welcome to apply. However, many opportunities may have citizenship restrictions due to ITAR restrictions. We’ll work with Fellows individually to find opportunities that fit.

What materials will I need to submit with my application?
 You’ll need to submit:

  • One recommendation letter

  • A current resume (no more than two pages)

  • A transcript with at least one semester of grades

  • A personal statement (600 words)

  • A multimedia essay (video, poem, song, graphic, etc., under 250 MB and reviewable within five minutes)

What is the Multimedia Essay?
Instead of a traditional essay, you’ll respond to one of our prompts with a creative piece—such as a video, poem, song, or graphic. Your submission should be reviewable in under five minutes. This is your chance to show us your creativity and voice in a format that feels authentic to you.

Do I need a recommendation letter?
Yes. The application requires one recommendation letter from someone who knows you well and can speak to your character, achievements, and impact.

Do you require a minimum GPA?
No. We believe your transcript is only part of your story. We want to learn about your passions, leadership, creativity, and service—not just your grades.

How will Fellows be selected?
Applications are reviewed holistically by aerospace professionals and Brookie Alumni. We consider your personal statement, multimedia essay, recommendation letter, and overall fit with the Fellowship’s values. There are no GPA cutoffs or single factors that determine selection.

When is the application open and due?
Applications typically open in early fall and are due in early October. Exact dates are published on our website each year.

When will applicants hear back?
We typically notify semifinalists within a few weeks after the application closes. Finalists are selected following interviews, and the full class is announced in the winter. Exact dates are posted each year.

Is the Fellowship still offering paid internships?
Due to recent changes in the U.S. political landscape, the Brooke Owens Fellowship can no longer guarantee internships with host companies. We will still provide support in exploring opportunities, and some Fellows may secure internships through our network. Regardless of placement, all selected Fellows will receive mentorship, resources, and access to the Summit.

What does the Fellowship include?
Selected Fellows receive one-on-one Executive Mentorship, guidance from a Brookie Alumni Mentor, access to exclusive career development resources, and the opportunity to attend the annual Brooke Owens Summit. The program also includes professional development programming and a supportive cohort experience throughout the summer.

What if I’ve already secured an internship or job for the summer? Can I still apply?
Yes! The Fellowship is about much more than internships—it’s about mentorship, community, and growth. If you already have a summer role lined up, you can still apply and participate fully in the Fellowship experience.

I’ve applied before. Can I apply again?
Yes! If you're still eligible based on your enrollment and class year, we strongly encourage re-applicants. Many Fellows were selected after applying more than once. We LOVE to see you applying year to year.

What kinds of projects or roles do Fellows typically take on?
Fellows have worked on everything from rocket propulsion and satellite operations to aerospace policy, STEM outreach, and mission planning. While opportunities may look different in 2026, we are still focused on providing high-impact experiences that align with your career goals.

Will I have to relocate during the summer?
Possibly. Some Fellows may secure in-person internships or jobs, while others may pursue local or remote opportunities. We encourage flexibility and will provide guidance to help

Supporter FAQs

How can I volunteer as a mentor or supporter?
We welcome new Executive Mentors, Brookie Alumni mentors, and volunteers. There are lots of seasonal volunteer opportunities to get involved in as well! If you're interested in supporting the next generation of aerospace leaders, please contact info@brookeowensfellowship.org to connect with us!

What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available with the Fellowship?

Volunteers can support the Fellowship in many ways, including serving as Executive Mentors, Brookie Alumni Mentors, application reviewers, interviewers, event panelists, workshop facilitators, and general program support for the Summit or other events.

Do I need to be an alum to get involved?

Nope! While we have a strong and active alumni community, many of our volunteers are professionals or supporters who believe in the mission. If you’re aligned with our values and want to help, there’s a role for you.

Do I need to have experience in aerospace to volunteer?
 Not necessarily! While many of our volunteers come from aerospace backgrounds, we also welcome individuals with expertise in communications, DEI, education, leadership development, and other relevant fields who are passionate about our mission.

How much time does volunteering require?
 It depends on the role. Mentorship typically involves 4–6 hours over the summer, while application reviewers may commit 10–15 hours in the fall. Event volunteers and panelists may contribute just a few hours. We’re happy to match you with a role that fits your availability.

External Organizations & Non-Profit Partners FAQs

What kind of partnerships does the Brooke Owens Fellowship seek?
We’re interested in partnering with mission-aligned organizations that want to support gender equity, mentorship, and workforce development in aerospace. This could include event collaboration, mentorship, training, outreach, or hosting opportunities.

Can my company partner with the Fellowship?
We update our Host list every year and are always looking for new companies to partner with. We welcome companies that want to support Fellows through mentorship, networking, or summer placements. Contact us to learn more about becoming a partner.

Can other nonprofits collaborate with the Fellowship?
Absolutely. We’re open to cross-program partnerships that advance equity and opportunity in aerospace and adjacent fields. Reach out to discuss ways to amplify impact together.

Can my company sponsor the Fellowship or a specific event?
Yes. We offer opportunities for corporate sponsorship, including Summit support, scholarships, and cohort-building initiatives. We’ll work with you to create a meaningful sponsorship experience.

Donor FAQs

How are donations used?
All donations go directly to supporting our Fellows, covering costs for operations, programming, travel assistance, Summit expenses, and community support for our alumni.

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Brooke Owens Fellowship is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

How do I make a donation?
You can donate online through our website or contact us directly at info@brookeowensfellowship.org to arrange a custom donation, gift, or sponsorship.