Alex Higgins Memorial Space Camp Scholarship 2027 Application

Alex Higgins Memorial Space Camp Scholarship 2027 Application

Complete the application, upload supporting documents, and sign where required.
Train to be an astronaut, an airplane pilot, or a robotics engineer in a five-day immersive, intensive, educational, and fun camp at the U.S Space & Rocket Center! Since 2001, more than 70 New Hampshire children and teens have traveled to U.S Space Camp & Rocket Center, in Huntsville, AL, for a week of simulated astronaut or pilot training, thanks for the Alex Higgins Memorial Space Camp Scholarship. And three more will go in 2027! Would you like to be one of them? Apply Now!
- The Alex Higgins Memorial Space Camp Scholarship represents a combined effort among the Higgins family, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and New Hampshire Charitable Foundation to honor Alex's memory by providing the opportunity for children and teens to engage in a science and engineering adventure that Alex Higgins himself, truly enjoyed.
- The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, room and board for one of the U.S Space & Rocket Center's Space Camps, Aviation Challenges, or Robotics Camps.
- Winners are chosen by a panel composed of Discovery Center staff, Higgins family members, and community volunteers after reviewing the applicants' essays, report cards, and recommendations.
- Travel costs to Huntsville, AL are not covered through the scholarship.
All applications - including 2 letters of recommendation and academic transcripts (or equivalent) - are due on

Saturday, December 12th, 2026

Note: Applicants must be New Hampshire residents between the ages of 9 and 18 by June 1st, 2027.

Because space in the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's 2027 camps may be limited, recipients who are unable to secure a spot for summer 2027 may defer their scholarship for use in a future camp year.
Full Name of Applicant

First NameLast Name
Pronouns
Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Email Address (Student's if Applicable)
example@example.com
Phone Number (Student or Primary Care Giver)
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Grade Level (in school)
School Attending (Or indicate if homeschooled)
Parent or Guardian's Name

First NameLast Name
Parent's or Guardian's Primary Email Address:
example@example.com

Section A - Question Portion

Use the space below to type or copy your answers from a separate document. Progress will not be saved so it is recommended that you copy your answers from a Microsoft or Google word document.

Be aware of the word limit listed for each questions. Answers longer than the limit will not be ready completely.
Question 1: Why do you want to attend Space Camp, Aviation Challenge, or Robotics Camp?
Limit 250 Words
Question 2: Who else, besides you, would benefit from your attending Space Camp, Aviation Challenge, or Robotics Camp?
Limit 250 Words

Section B - Essay Portion

Use the space below to type or copy your answers from a separate document. Progress will not be saved so it is recommended that you copy your answers from a Microsoft or Google word document.

Be aware of the word limit listed for each questions. Answers longer than the limit will not be ready completely.
Essay 1: The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched on August 30th, 2026. What are the goals of this mission? In what ways is this mission different compared to the Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope?
Limit 800 Words
Essay 2: When traveling to space, astronauts are allowed to bring a small box of personal items in a Personal Preference Kit or PPK. What items would you bring? Why? (Note: Selected items must fit inside a small shoe box, approx. 5 inches wide x 8 inches long x 2 inches high)
Limit 800 Words

Please upload a copy of your 2025-2026 academic transcript (or equivalent - grading must be included). This can also be mailed to McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center or e-mailed to Visitor Services Coordinator, Kelly Thompson at kthompson@starhop.com

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Recommendation Letters

Each Alex Higgins Memorial Space Camp Scholarship applicant should be prepared to seek letters of recommendation from two non-relatives of their choice (e.g., teachers, counselors, or Boy/Girl Scout leaders).

Please direct your references to or visit www.starhop.com/alexhiggins to download the Application Recommendation Cover Letter that must be included with each letter of recommendation.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that completed recommendations (with the forementioned cover letter are submitted to the Discovery Center by the application deadline.

Letters of recommendation can be submitted directly via email to Discovery Center's Visitor Service Coordinator, Kelly Thompson at kthompson@starhop.com or mailed to:

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

Attn: 2027 Alex Higgins Memorial Space Camp Scholarship

2 Institute Drive

Concord, NH 03301

I understand and agre that all submitted materials become the property of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center; that the essays and attachments, if any, may be published electronically or in print and may be provided to the media; and that photographs of the scholarship winners, back-up crew and those receiving honorable mention may be provided to the media and may appear in McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center publications and/or website. I certify that the applicant completed the application on his/her own.
Applicant Signature - Please sign to affirm your agreement with the previous statement:
Signature of Parent/Guardian - Please sign to affirm your agreement with the previous statement:
Should be Empty: