Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 is following the tradition of Masons in support of education of children by providing financial support to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation “(ASF”).
Created by the Mercury 7 astronauts at NASA, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is one of the largest science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) focused scholarship programs in the U.S. Over more than 30 years, ASF has given over 400 scholarships worth more than $ 4 million to college graduates for graduate education.
ASF graduates, including a recently-selected woman astronaut, have proven impacts in energy, aerospace, health and defense. For example, Derek L., a recent ASF scholar, helped construct the AsiaSat6 and 8 spacecrafts launched in 2014 from Cape Canaveral, and serves as a judge for the Google LunarX prize.
ASF identifies and supports top undergraduates in their graduate fields following nomination by participating top-tier universities, such as Texas A & M, University of Texas, Harvey Mudd, Brown, Clemson, Georgia Institute of Technology, and MIT.
Recognizing the fit between the Lodge’s mission in support of top-level education, its founding focus on recognition of the symbolism of the lunar landings, and the strength of ASF, the Lodge has currently pledged $ 50,000 to ASF, payable over 5 years at $ 10,000 per year.