AUSCO is proud to sponsor the inaugural Endeavour Scholarship “Ben Matheson Award,” which recognizes the legacy of longtime aerospace leader Ben Matheson while supporting the next generation of STEM innovators.

The 2026 award was presented to 17-year-old Ukrainian student Ivan Pedko, whose participation in the Endeavour Scholarship program is fully funded by AUSCO, including tuition, travel, and lodging. Through the program, Pedko will attend an all-expenses-paid week at Space Camp USA, where he will participate in astronaut training, simulated missions, international team-building activities, and educational sessions with aerospace industry leaders.

The award honors individuals who reflect the values that have defined Matheson’s more than seven decades in aerospace: honor, patience, integrity, leadership, and innovation. Matheson has been involved with AUSCO since 2002 and remains an active and respected figure within the aerospace industry.

By supporting the award, AUSCO is helping preserve Matheson’s extraordinary legacy while encouraging promising students to pursue careers in aerospace, engineering, and other STEM fields. The sponsorship reflects AUSCO’s continued commitment to mentorship, exploration, innovation, and investing in the future of the aerospace industry.

Read the original article to learn more about the Endeavour Scholarship, Ben Matheson’s contributions to aerospace, and Ivan Pedko’s selection as the award’s first recipient.