STEM Companies Want Western Aerospace Scholars

Student applications for the Western Aerospace Scholars (WAS) program are available now, and the junior level program application is due by October 30, 2020.

Presented in two phases, WAS is an online distance learning course and a summer experience specifically designed for high school students interested in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) pathways through the exploration of space and space travel.

Phase One involves a four-month online course designed by NASA and the University of Washington (UW). Scheduled for the first of November until early March, this college-level course consists of seven bi-weekly lessons and a final project. In these weekly modules, scholars will study the history of NASA and the space environment around the Earth, including its control by solar activity and the potential opportunities for human exploration of the solar system. Students can apply to receive five UW credits in Earth & Space Science for their work in Phase One.

Eligible students must be juniors in high school in fall 2020. They must also have Internet accessibility and be a resident of Washington, Oregon, or Montana to participate in Phase One.

Acceptance into the online course is based on a completed application and student interest. The application review committee values diverse voices and ideas and believes in the importance of bringing multiple perspectives to the discussion of topics related to human space exploration.

There are no math or science requirements for participation, but pre-algebra and essay writing coursework will be helpful. Academic support is provided during the online course, and students are encouraged to reach out to their current high school teachers for help. Students can also apply to receive five University of Washington natural science credits for their work during the online course.

If students successfully complete Phase One, they may receive an invitation to participate in Phase Two, a six-day summer residency at the Montana Learning Center located at Canyon Ferry Lake near Helena. During the six-day experience, students will get an exclusive, insider’s look at the aerospace industry in Montana. Through behind-the-scenes aerospace company tours, presentations by STEM experts and NASA scientists, and networking with STEM educators and university students, Summer Residency participants will connect with like-minded peers from across the state and participate in engineering challenges, museum tours, and team building activities.

According to the WAS website, students should participate for a variety of reasons:

• Participating in the online distance learning course helps students understand the components and expectations for college-level coursework while they are still in high school, particularly the importance of good time management and the ability to prioritize.

• Being able to state on a résumé or college admission application that they completed a five-credit UW course, while in high school, will help to set them apart from other applicants.

• Regardless of where they live, participating in WAS enables students to interact with like-minded peers and participate in virtual chats with STEM professionals currently working in a field of interest to them.

• The summer experiences provide students the opportunity to have fun learning about the universe in which we live, to meet other students with similar interests, and to challenge themselves to plan realistic future space missions.

• Being a graduate of the WAS program puts scholars in an alumni network of over 1600 students who are at top colleges and military academies across the country and who work at STEM companies, including Boeing, Microsoft, SpaceX, Facebook, and NASA.

• WAS alumni frequently report that their experience builds their confidence, interpersonal skills, and prepares them for success in college.

For more information, interested applicants are encouraged to call program director Melissa Edwards at 206.764.5866 or email MEdwards@museumofflight.org.