North Carolina A&T Students Earned Astronaut Scholarships
Two students from the university secured prestigious awards for their STEM research and academic achievements.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Scholarships
Live Poll
Do you believe merit-based STEM scholarships are an effective way to cultivate future scientific leadership?
Victoria Little and Avery C. Love have been named 2026 Astronaut Scholars. Both students were recognized for their work in STEM fields while attending North Carolina A&T State University.
Why it matters
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation provides financial support and mentorship to high-achieving undergraduates to foster the next generation of leaders in scientific research and innovation.
Each recipient receives up to $15,000 for their academic pursuits. The 2026 cohort includes 79 students selected from 54 universities across the country.
The players
Victoria Little
She is a senior at North Carolina A&T State University who is currently pursuing degrees in biology and psychology.
Avery C. Love
He is a senior chemistry major at North Carolina A&T State University who earned this scholarship for the second consecutive year.
North Carolina A&T State University
This is a public, historically Black research university located in Greensboro that maintains a strong focus on STEM education.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
The foundation supports high-achieving college students pursuing STEM careers through financial awards, mentorship, and professional networking.
The details
Little and Love were chosen for their excellence in biology, psychology, and chemistry. Both individuals participate in the Honors College and are recognized as Cheatham-White Scholars at the university.
Timeline
Victoria Little and Avery C. Love were named 2026 Scholars.
Culture Shift
This award highlights a broader societal push to incentivize STEM specialization among undergraduate students through early career mentorship. It reflects a shift toward creating structured pathways that connect elite academic achievers directly with the scientific professional community.
The recognition of these students highlights the competitive academic opportunities available within the local university system for STEM-focused undergraduates. Students interested in similar paths should look into these university-specific honors programs and national scholarship pipelines.
The takeaway
Securing national merit-based scholarships often requires a multi-year commitment to academic excellence and specialized research. Students looking to replicate this success should seek early engagement with departmental honors colleges and faculty-led research initiatives.
Further reading
Find more information on local student funding opportunities in our Scholarships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Black Enterprise.
Live Poll
Do you believe merit-based STEM scholarships are an effective way to cultivate future scientific leadership?
