Washington Aerospace Scholars Foundation

The Washington Aerospace Scholars Foundation (was) program, hosted by the museum of flight in seattle, was modeled after a successful nasa program to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (stem) learning among high school juniors. Was is composed of two parts: (1) a five-month competitive statewide interactive online learning experience followed by (2) a six-day summer "design" experience hosted by the museum of flight. During the summer residency, over 100 students joined us in-person at the museum of flight, along with 12 Washington state certified teachers, to work in collaborative teams with input from professional scientists and engineers on the design of a human mission to mars. They also toured stem industry facilities and competed in a hands-on engineering challenges. After completing the program, students are encouraged to pursue stem careers and report their post-high school college and degree field choices to the was alumni association. The program was funded through private sources so that any inspired student willing to work could participate, regardless of economic ability. Students represent many legislative districts in the state, and all genders, as well as underrepresented ethnic and cultural groups. As of december 2023, over 4,000 students have participated in the distance learning portion of the Washington Aerospace Scholars program and 2,171 students have participated in a summer experience and became program alumni.