Student Shares Insights on Earning a Patti Grace Smith Fellowship

At age 16, Benjamin Carter (’25) became interested in aerospace engineering and becoming a pilot. After a summer internship filled with learning more about aviation and beginning to work toward his pilot’s license, Carter was fully committed and made plans to pursue both passions.

With the help of his mother, he began to look for universities where he could continue learning and gaining experience in aviation and aerospace. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University stood out as a top contender.

“Once I visited the Daytona Beach Campus, I immediately knew that’s where I wanted to further my education. The campus is top-notch. There were so many areas that impressed me. The state-of-the-art facilities and labs were the true determining factor for me,” he remembered.

The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship

At Embry-Riddle, the student experience is often characterized by opportunity and connection.

In 2024, four Aerospace Engineering students from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University were selected to receive Patti Grace Smith Fellowships, which guarantees paid internships at leading organizations, professional mentorship and grants of $2,500 or more. Benjamin Carter was one of those four students.

“I am very excited and grateful to be selected as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow. I was aware of how competitive the process would be, so I am truly honored to know that I am granted such an awesome opportunity,” Carter said. “I know that there are some bright students in various fields of STEM, so I am feeling wonderful to know that I am selected for such an achievement.”

By definition, the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship aims to “provide a meaningful, effective pathway into successful aerospace careers and future aerospace industry leadership to people whose race and ethnicity has made them the subject of systemic bias.” For Carter, this selection means he is on “the right track.”

“This honor encourages me to believe that... I will have a successful career in the aerospace industry regardless of my color and race,” Carter said. “Personally, this honor is a boost to my confidence and spirit. I always try to support and encourage others. Having so many people of various races and backgrounds support me and recognize this achievement encourages me to keep working hard.”

As with all Patti Grace Smith fellows, Carter has earned an internship with a leading industry organization – his being Northrop Grumman. Eager to begin, Carter is looking forward to an opportunity to apply the knowledge he has gained while on campus.

“Saying that I am excited to work with leaders in aerospace and in such a highly recognized corporation who are pioneers in the aerospace industry is a great understatement,” he said.

Remembering the extensive application process and series of interviews with various organizations he undertook while applying for the fellowship, Carter shared how he was able to secure his place – by exemplifying his hard work, experience and dedication.

“I made sure that I was prepared to present the knowledge that I was gaining from courses at Embry-Riddle,” he recalled. “I researched each corporation and prepared to present myself as a knowledgeable young man who is open to learning and working with others. I appreciated how the process allowed me to showcase who I am as a person and not just academically.”

The Embry-Riddle Experience

While earning his degree, Carter has dedicated his time outside of class to pursuing his pilot’s license and he now holds a Private Pilot ASEL License with his instrument rating.

“Being an Aerospace Engineering student as well as a pilot, I have been able to correlate knowledge from both perspectives, which has aided me in having a greater understanding of aviation. I absolutely love engineering and studying the factors within it. However, the same can be said for my love of flying,” he said.

While crediting his education with boosting his flight experience and vice versa, Carter has two options for a career path, and he hopes to fall somewhere in the middle of both fields.

“My love for both engineering and flight are equal. My dream would be to become an aerospace engineer or an airline pilot. If God would permit, I would love to have the opportunity to experience both careers,” he shared.

“As for now, I will continue with my studies toward my degree and continue obtaining the next licenses and ratings needed to obtain my Airline Transport License. One never knows what the future has in store for them, so the best thing to do is take it one step at a time.”

Ready to chase your dreams at Embry-Riddle? Apply now.