Space Foundation Now Accepting Nominations for Admiral James O. Ellis Jr. New Generation National Security Scholarship

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Dec. 9, 2025 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to advance the global space community, today announced that nominations are now being accepted for the Admiral James O. Ellis Jr. New Generation National Security Scholarship.

This scholarship provides a uniformed, young professional member of the United States Armed Forces full complimentary access to events at Space Foundation’s Space Symposium, to be held April 13–16, 2026, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Registration for the New Generation Space Leaders program and participation in the Space Classified session are included. The awardee will also be seated at the Space Foundation board of directors’ table at dining functions during the Symposium. The award is intended to encourage the participation of New Generation professionals at Space Symposium, acknowledge an exceptional young professional, and provide that individual an opportunity to advance their professional growth and development.

Ellis, a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral and former Commander of United States Strategic Command, is the former chairperson of the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group and is an Annenberg Distinguished Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Previously, he was president and chief executive officer at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Ellis was elected to Space Foundation’s board of directors in January 2010 and served as chairperson from January 2016 through November 2017.

Nominations for the scholarship will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Criteria for the 2026 scholarship are:

• Uniformed U.S. Armed Forces member
• Nomination from commander
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• New Gen age (35 years old and younger)

Nominations, including a one-page recommendation letter, should be submitted by a service member’s immediate supervisor and sent to EllisScholar@spacefoundation.org.

A selection committee will evaluate the applications and announce the recipient by early March 2026.

About Space Symposium

Space Symposium, created in 1984 by Space Foundation, is the premier assembly of the global space community, bringing together more than 12,000 space professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers. Attendees from more than 60 countries gather annually in Colorado Springs to do business and explore the latest in space activities and innovations. Representing all sectors of the space ecosystem, participants include space and government agencies, commercial industry, military organizations, R&D leaders, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs. The event also extends its global reach with virtual access through livestream and on-demand programming. Visit Space Symposium at  www.spacesymposium.org.

About Space Foundation

Space Foundation advances the global space community through education, collaboration and information. Founded in 1983, the nonprofit brings together space professionals, educators and leaders from around the world to highlight how space benefits life on Earth and beyond. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation is supported by members, sponsors, individuals and grants. Learn more at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Symposium, Admiral James O. Ellis Jr., New Generation National Security Scholarship, space industry event

Media Contacts:

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
rcooper@spacefoundation.org

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
SpaceFoundation@techmarket.com

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