West Space Scholars Program for Future Space Force Officers

The West Space Scholars Program is a specialized education initiative that prepares U.S. Air Force Academy graduates for leadership roles in the U.S. Space Force. Designed for cadets pursuing careers in space operations, this program provides advanced education in national security, orbital mechanics, and space systems.

West Space Scholars is part of the Department of the Air Force’s broader effort to develop technically skilled officers for critical space missions. Graduates earn a commission in the U.S. Space Force and receive additional training and education to accelerate their professional development.

How the West Space Scholars Program Works

Each year, a select group of U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadets are competitively chosen for the West Space Scholars Program. Participants commission into the U.S. Space Force and attend graduate school immediately after earning their undergraduate degree.

The program focuses on:

• Advanced academic preparation in space policy, engineering, or science
• Graduate-level coursework funded by the Department of the Air Force
• Career alignment with key Space Force missions and technical roles
• Continued development through mentorship and training pipelines

Participants typically earn a master’s degree in space-related disciplines before beginning active-duty assignments.

Key Features of the West Space Scholars Program

Benefits of the West Space Scholars Program

This program offers a clear path to advance your education and career while serving.

• Fully funded graduate education in high-demand space-related fields
• Direct commissioning into the U.S. Space Force
• Early-career specialization and exposure to cutting-edge research
• Enhanced preparation for leadership roles in orbital operations and space strategy
• Competitive advantage for long-term advancement in military and federal space careers
• Integration with national defense and security agencies working in space

Is the West Space Scholars Program Right for You?

This program is designed for cadets committed to advancing U.S. interests in the space domain. It’s a strong fit for students who:

• Attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and demonstrate excellence in STEM and leadership
• Want to pursue graduate-level education before active-duty service.
• Intend to commission into the U.S. Space Force in a technical or strategic capacity.
• Are interested in careers related to space systems, operations, or national security policy
• Seek early alignment with the Space Force’s long-term talent development tracks 

How to Apply to the West Space Scholars Program

Here’s how you can apply for this program:

1. Attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and express interest in space-focused career tracks.
2. Maintain a strong academic record, especially in STEM or security studies.
3. Apply for consideration through USAFA’s internal selection process.
4. Receive approval from the Department of the Air Force and a graduate school assignment.
5. Commissioned into the U.S. Space Force upon graduation from USAFA
6. Complete graduate studies and report to active-duty space assignments

Applications are competitive and limited to a select number of cadets each year.

FAQs about the West Space Scholars Program

Q: Who is eligible for the West Space Scholars Program?
 A: Only graduating cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy are eligible, based on academic performance and interest in space careers.

Q: What degree options are available through the program?
 A: Graduate programs in space policy, engineering, operations research, physics, and related national security disciplines.

Q: Does the program fund graduate school?
 A: Yes. The Department of the Air Force covers tuition, fees, and associated costs.

Q: What is the service commitment after completing the program?
 A: Participants enter active duty in the U.S. Space Force with assignments in space-related roles and must fulfill a service obligation based on their education and commission.

Q: Can I apply if I’m not at the Air Force Academy?
 A: No. The program is currently limited to select cadets from USAFA.