Apply For Moonshot

Follow these steps to apply

Get a Teacher Recommendation

Click below to download the teacher recommendation form.

Download Form

Fill out the below Application + Upload your Recommendation

When available, scroll to the application below.

Submit Application*

*Submit your application by midnight on March 26, 2025.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

A member of the Class of 2027
Must attend a public high school in Sevier or Cocke County
Have demonstrated a strong interest in expanding education
and travel
Can demonstrate resourcefulness, aptitude, and drive

Application Timeline + Milestones

The following dates will govern the application schedule:

March 25 — Cut off date to submit application
April — Selections, Interviews, and Announcement of program awardees
May 9-10 — Hike Mt. LeConte

OFFICIAL Application

Please Note: You will need a parent or guardian’s signature to complete the application. Allow yourself ample time to complete the application.

Instead of uploading your teacher recommendation to your application, your teacher can email it directly to [email protected].

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 4

Applicant Information

Applicant Name*

First Last

Phone*

Email*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

County*

Education and Interests

School*

Graduation Class*

What are some of your favorite subjects or activities in school? What classes or school activities do you most look forward to and why?*

What have you liked and disliked about school, and how would you change it?*

What is your travel experience to date? Is there a trip or an experience that you dream of taking one day? If so, why?**

What is a long-term goal you have set for yourself, and what specific steps are you taking to achieve it? How do you measure progress toward this goal, and how do you stay motivated despite challenges?*

Describe a personal value or belief that significantly influences your goals. How has this value shaped your vision for making a difference in your community or the world?*

How do you plan to address potential setbacks or failures as you work towards your goals? Can you provide an example of how you’ve handled obstacles in the past?*

How do you prioritize your goals when you have multiple interests or causes you are passionate about? Provide an example of how you’ve balanced competing goals or interests in the past.*

What role do you believe education and continuous learning play in achieving your goals? How do you plan to incorporate learning and growth into your journey toward making an impact? Have you learned more in the classroom or through experiences, and why?*

Consider a time when you had to collaborate with others who had different values or perspectives. How did you navigate those differences to achieve a common goal, and what did you learn from the experience?*

If you had the opportunity to influence one major policy or initiative at a national or global level, what would it be and why? How would you advocate for this change, and what impact do you hope it would have?*

Reflect on a historical or contemporary figure who has made a significant impact on society. What qualities or actions of this person inspire you, and how do you plan to embody these qualities in your own efforts?*

Describe a personal achievement or proud moment, and what you did to accomplish your goal. How has this achievement affected future goals you create for yourself?*

What is a new skill or experience that you hope to gain from participating in Moonshot?*

Read + Sign: Expectations and Requirements

Please read the following statements carefully, sign, and have a parent sign in the spaces below:
Expectations: The primary purpose of the Moonshot Foundation is to enhance what students learn in the classroom; what they can learn about themselves; and the experience of being exposed to new ideas through connections and travel. Few things can enhance one’s perspectives on the world and on oneself than experiencing it firsthand and for the first time. It is hoped that this will encourage a lifetime of learning and engagement.
Cost and Fees: The Moonshot experience includes all expenses excluding travel to and from scheduled meetings, personal travel, legal documents (passports, gold star, TSA Pre-Check, accommodations, meals not included with packages, transportation not included in packages, etc.). Students must adhere to all security precautions while participating in programming.
Alcohol and Drug Policy: Students are not allowed to consume or have in their possession any alcoholic beverages, or use or have in their possession any illegal drugs, at school or at any Moonshot functions. Failure on a student’s part to adhere to this policy will result in dismissal from Moonshot and may lead to the student being sent home at personal expense before the conclusion of programming or trip. In compliance with this policy and with the law, any prescription medications must include the doctor’s prescription, either on the bottle or as a copy kept with the medication.

Student Signature*

By typing your name below, you are signing this application electronically.

Parent and/or Guardian Signature*