The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization established by the Mercury astronauts in 1984. Its goal is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for exceptional college students pursuing degrees in these fields. ASF has awarded nearly $3 million in scholarships to deserving students on 27 campuses nationwide. ASF also coordinates an annual Astronaut Scholar Technical Conference in Florida. Since 2003, the annual event has coincided with the annual Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony each May. Scholar activities include a VIP tour of the Kennedy Space Center, a VIP tour of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, a private luncheon with the astronauts, the Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Gala, and the Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.