We’re over the moon with excitement to share that not one, not two, but three former Higher Orbits participants have been selected for the Class of 2026 Brooke Owens Fellows.
Two of our Stars in Orbit, Sophia Crowder, and Autumn Pepper Rhodes, along with alum Daisy Li, join the tenth class of “Brookies.” The Fellows were selected through a competitive application process that involved applicants submitting technical and creative submissions, interviews with the Fellowships leadership team and Brookie alumni, and reviews from leading aerospace companies.
These students had a hard hill to climb. The program received over 400 applications from students spanning Ivy League universities, major research universities, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and major international universities. The 2026 Fellows were ultimately selected based on their incredible talent, desire to pursue a career in aerospace, stand-out creative abilities, strong record of leadership, and most importantly, a commitment to their communities.
So what does this mean for our Higher Orbits’ alum? The Fellows will start their internships this summer. They will each be matched to an executive-level mentor in the aerospace industry who will support and work with the Fellows to help launch their careers in addition to a Brookie Alumni Mentor.
We asked Sophia, Daisy, and Autumn a few questions about the process:
What prompted you to apply for the 2026 Class of Brooke Owens Fellow?
Sophia: My journey to Brooke Owens really started with Higher Orbits. Through Go For Launch!, I had the incredible chance to design science experiments for space/microgravity, collaborate with awesome mentors, and see my ideas taken seriously in a way that completely changed how I visualized myself within this field. It wasn’t just about ideating on these experiments: it was about realizing that I could contribute to space in a meaningful and exciting way! Those experiences ignited something in me. Brooke Owens felt like the natural next step: a community of people who are not only ambitious about space, but deeply intentional about how and why we explore it. I applied because I wanted to keep growing — technically, intellectually, and as part of a group that shares that same sense of deep purpose. And truly, that confidence came into existence because of Higher Orbits and stellar mentors like our Space Mom, Michelle Lucas, who helped me to see that space was not something so “distant,” but something I could actively be a part of!
What was the application process like?
Daisy: The primary application consisted of a personal statement and multimedia essay. Looking back, crafting the application was a really introspective experience. It motivates you to intentionally set aside some time to reflect on hard-hitting questions such as who you are and why you do what you do. The Brooke Owens Fellowship really tries to get to know each applicant fundamentally through their prompts. I’d encourage all interested students to apply. It can be daunting to throw your name in the hat, but know that just by applying you’re getting something so valuable out of it!
How does it feel to be accepted into the program?
Autumn: I applied for the Brooke Owens Fellowship, both last year as a sophomore (I was not accepted), and then this year as a junior (I was!). When I initially applied to the Brooke Owens Fellowship, my mom was there to cheer me on. She knew about the fellowship from a family friend, and she was so excited for me to apply. She passed away in December of 2024. When applying to the fellowship the second time, she was the inspiration for my essay and a major part of the reason I felt compelled to apply again. My acceptance into this prestigious program means honoring her legacy, her love, and her support that she still provides even though she can't be here with me to celebrate.
What are you most looking forward to?
Sophia: I think I am most excited to be a part of a community that believes in exploration not just as a technical challenge, but as something that should be done with intention, responsibility, and imagination (there is just too much to be excited about, which is never a bad thing). That’s what drew me to space in the first place: the idea that what we build and how we explore truly matters. We are conscious “star stuff,” and I want to be the very best star stuff that I can be! I am SO excited to keep pursuing that with Brooke Owens and my out-of-this-world cohort!
Daisy: I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at the summit and building the community! Each Brookie brings such an interesting story and perspective to the table, so I can’t wait to get to know everyone.
Autumn: Already, I have felt such a welcoming presence from the incoming and past Brookie family. In the summer, we will get to participate in a summit program that has mentorship, networking, and professional development resources. I am definitely looking forward to this event where I'll get to make the most of the program, as well as meet all of the incredible women from this year's cohort!
The Class of 2026 will now join a network of over 350+ Brookie alumni spanning all aspects of space and aviation including engineering, scientific research, policy, journalism, and entrepreneurship.
Join us in congratulating these incredible students. If you’re interested in applying for the
2027 Brooke Owens Fellowship, we suggest you start planning now, and
check out their website https://www.brookeowensfellowship.org/