Please donate to the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund this Giving Tuesday. With your help, the Friends have successfully advocated to re-open the Planetarium to immersive science enrichment for our students. We are inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers. The Scholarship enables Arlington Public School students to turn their aspirations into achievements. Your charitable gift now ensures that sufficient funds will be available to support a 2023 graduating high school senior.

David M. Brown (1956–2003) was a graduate of Yorktown High School who died when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated. He was an Arlington native who also attended McKinley Elementary School and Swanson Middle School. He was a Navy flight surgeon before his assignment to the astronaut corps. His first NASA mission was as a specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia. His career combined science and public service. The Scholarship Fund honors his memory by supporting APS seniors who are similarly motivated.

The Friends award one scholarship each year to a senior graduating from an Arlington Public School who intends to major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). The scholarship is worth $2,000 a year. A student may renew their award to cover up to 4 years as they progress towards an undergraduate STEM degree. The Scholarship currently supports students at Virginia Tech, Cornell, and Bucknell. The Arlington Community Foundation administers the scholarship fund and manages application process on behalf of the Friends.

The Friends of Arlington's David M. Brown Planetarium is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization. Your contributions to the Scholarship Fund and the Friends are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

David M. Brown followed his star. Let’s light the way for more Arlington students. Give generously.

#GivingTuesday2022