Two Colorado School of Mines students have been named 2026 Astronaut Scholars. The two were part of a class of 79 students selected from 54 universities around the country.
Samuel Orgeldinger, junior in mechanical engineering, and Anna Williams, senior in geophysical engineering, were honored by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. The foundation honors outstanding STEM students in their undergraduate junior and senior years who are studying science, technology, engineering or math and intend to pursue research or progress in their field.
Astronaut Scholarships include a $15,000 award and participation in the ASF Innovators and Symposium Gala in Houston, being held Aug. 13-15, 2026.
Created by the Mercury 7 astronauts in 1984, ASF is one of the largest merit-based monetary scholarship awards to undergraduate STEM students. ASF has a lifelong relationship with each Astronaut Scholar, providing them with mentors, professional and personal development and networking opportunities with astronauts, C-suite level executives and industry leaders.
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
