Education Fund 2023
In 2023, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation is proud to offer innovative and immersive prizes and award programs. These opportunities will enable students and researchers of all ages to engage with Australian and international space industry experts, promoting the growth and capability of Australia's future workforce.
Kids In Space National Challenge
Mission Status: Underway
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation in partnership with the Australian Space Agency have launched a first of its kind primary education opportunity for schools across Australia. Delivered by Adelaide-based technology company, Makers Empire, this program will be delivered in 8 schools per state and territory. Each school will receive a free 3D printer, accredited professional development for up to 5 teachers per school and access to a space-themed version of their 3D design curriculum to take their learning out of this world. The program will culminate in regional showcases before winning students are flown to Adelaide for the national showcase to be hosted at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
Aurora Program: Inclusion Initiative
Mission Status: Underway
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation in partnership with the Maras Foundation are proud to launch the 2nd Aurora Mission in 2023. Eight Schools from across South Australia will participate in the Inclusion Initiative which has been designed specifically to promote and encourage students and young people living with a disability to find inspiration in space. Delivered by Adelaide-based technology company, Makers Empire, each school will receive a free 3D printer, customised in school workshop for students and teachers and access to a space-themed version of their 3D design curriculum to take their learning out of this world. The program will culminate in showcases of student work at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
Eyre Peninsula Space Explorers Program
Mission Status: Mission Complete
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation in partnership with Makers Empire and a number of supporting partners were successful in receiving one of the Australian Governments Maker Projects: Community STEM Engagement 2022 Grants.
The proposed program will see 15 schools across the Eyre Peninsula, a rural South Australian region, participate in a semester long space and space career education and awareness program. Students will experience a space challenge course, designed specifically for their region, receive a free 3D printer and see their designs shared at their regional showcase day. Additional elements of the awarded grant include community outreach events for space industry awareness, alongside a comprehensive research element, conducted by the University of South Australia to verify the impact of such a program on students and teachers and their perceptions of space industry careers.
Mars Program: The Andy Thomas Space Foundation School Challenge
Applications open to schools
Ten prizes valued at $4000 each. Coordinated by Hamilton Secondary College, South Australian schools (years 7,8 or 9) will be invited to conduct projects linked to space technology and the Buzz Aldrin Foundation ‘Giant Mars Map’, stimulating student interest in space. These projects are supported by presentations and advice from space industry experts. Prizes will also include school visits to the Australian Space Discovery Centre at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide.
Applications Closed for 2023 cohort.
Winners to be announced shortly.
EOI's for 2024 launching soon.
For more information, click here.
Applications Closed for 2023 cohort.
Winners to be announced shortly.
EOI's for 2024 launching soon.
For more information, click here.
Venus Program: The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Playford Trust Undergraduate Scholarships
Applications open to Year 12 students
Eight scholarships valued at $5,000 each. Available for year 12 graduate students and jointly funded by the Playford Trust Foundation, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, The University of Adelaide and University of South Australia, these scholarships will be awarded to high-achieving school leavers enrolling to study space-related disciplines at university in 2023.
Earth Program: The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Undergraduate Internship Prizes
Applications open to Undergraduate students.
Four awards valued at $2,500 each. Funded by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, these prizes are available to undergraduate university students completing a space-related bachelor’s degree. prize winners will receive a 6-week paid internship opportunity with Australian space companies. Companies include SAAB Group Australia, Neumann Space and Frazer-Nash Consultancy.
Uranus Program: The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Graduate Scholarships in space
Applications open to Postgraduate students.
Three scholarships valued at $10,000 each. Available for post-graduate students. These scholarships are available for Australian citizens and permanent residents commencing an honours or masters program at an Australian university in a space-related field of research.
Dr Peter Woodgate Scholarships for Earth Observation
Applications open to potential Masters by Research or PhD Students
Awarded on an annual basis, commencing from 2024-2026. In partnership with SmartSat CRC, scholarships valued at $35,000 per year are available for current or potential Masters by Research and PhD students seeking to undertake study in the field of Earth Observation.
Applications Closed
Successful Applicants have been awarded.
Applications Closed
Successful Applicants have been awarded.
More programs launching soon ! 🚀
Education Fund Sponsors 2023
Founding Partners
Constellation Sponsors
Planetary Sponsors
SME Sponsors
Start-Up Sponsors
‘Quod Invenias Explorans Spatium Progressus Est Humanitatis’.
Human progress is in space exploration