SEATTLE, May 15, 2026—The Museum of Flight awarded $276,000 in scholarships to 16 Washington students for post-secondary education and flight training during a ceremony held at the Museum on May 14. The scholarships are awarded each year to outstanding students who have participated in The Museum of Flight’s education programs or are enrolled in Raisbeck Aviation High School. The recipients were chosen from 106 applicants representing 31 school districts.
Each student is engaged in a wide range of interests and share aviation or space career goals ranging from becoming an airline or military pilot to an aerospace engineer or astronaut. The awards ceremony was emceed by the Museum’s Vice President of Education, Dr. Dana Riley Black, with additional remarks by the Museum’s Board Chair, Kent Ramsey.
“The Museum’s continuum of education programs are designed to guide students’ inspiration, exploration and preparation of space and aviation topics. These annual scholarships create a unique bridge from the Museum’s programs to the students’ next steps in their education and careers,” said Dr. Black. “The post-secondary STEM education scholarships are opportunities for high school seniors planning to attend a college, university or trade school in science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related fields, and the flight training scholarships provide opportunities for high school students who want to earn their private pilot license—which is an important first milestone for anyone with aspirations to become a professional pilot or aviation industry professional. We are so proud to see that past recipients have since become commercial pilots and aerospace professionals.”
The 16 scholarship recipients represent ten school districts, and they reported their gender as 56 percent male and 44 percent female. Fifty percent reported eligibility for government assistance. (Detailed data is available upon request.)
Image: The scholarship recipients proudly showing their awards at the 2026 scholarship ceremony at The Museum of Flight. The Museum of Flight.
THE AWARDS
One Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Post-Secondary Scholarship at up to $120,000 towards a degree related to the field of aviation or aerospace.
Five Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Flight Training Scholarships at $14,000 each for flight instruction to the level of “Single-Engine Land.”
One Alaska Airlines Flight Training Scholarship at up to $14,000 for flight instruction to the level of “Single-Engine Land.”
Three Benjamin L. Ellison Future Pilot Scholarships at up to $14,000 for flight instruction to the level of “Single-Engine Land.”
One Aeronautical Science Pathway Scholarship Recipient at up to $5,000 toward flight training and/or post-secondary studies at a university, college, technical school, or other accredited institution of higher education.
One Stephen and Hazel Eastman Memorial Endowed Post-Secondary Scholarship at $5,000 to offset post-secondary expenses.
One Stuart Knopp Memorial Scholarship Recipient at $5,000 to offset post-secondary expenses.
One Jim and Sue Johnson Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship Recipient at $5,000 to offset post-secondary expenses.
Two Reba Gilman Endowed Post-Secondary Scholarship Recipients at $5,000 to offset college expenses.
THE RECIPIENTS
2026 Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship Recipient Up to $120,000 towards a degree related to the field of aerospace
Gabriela Lopez Guzman is a senior at Mount Rainier High School in the Highline School District. She is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program. Guzman is currently deciding which post-secondary institution she plans to attend next year and plans to major in Aeronautical Science. Her long-term career goal to become an airline transport pilot.
“The expectations in ASP have been reflected in my personal life, which has pushed me to higher standards. Representation is also something I value as I’ve noticed there are few people of color, especially women, pursuing careers in STEM. I personally struggled with that because growing up I didn’t see anyone like me in this field. So, with my journey, I will strive to be the representation I never saw growing up. I hope to inspire younger generations and show them that their dreams and education matter.”
2026 Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Flight Training Scholarship Recipients
Up to $14,000 each toward earning a Private Pilot License
Yededeya Assefa is a junior at Franklin High School in the Seattle School District. He is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program. After high school, he hopes to attend Central Washington University and major in Professional Pilot. Assefa’s long-term career goal is to be a commercial pilot.
“I used to think it was impossible and unrealistic to become a pilot for me due to the lack of opportunity I once had. The Aeronautical Science Pathway [program] has transformed my interest in aviation into a bigger picture. Now my determination is stronger than before. The opportunity is waiting in open hands for scholars like me to give us a path inside the cockpit. Through the Museums teaching and my learning experience at ASP, I have noticed that aviation is just not an ordinary interest but something bigger than that, it’s a deep commitment to discipline, organization, and continuous learning throughout the journey.”
Jasper Cheng is a junior at Raisbeck Aviation High School in the Highline School District. He has previously participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School program (PPGS) and is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP). After high school, Jasper plans to attend a 4-year university. His long-term career goal is to be a commercial pilot for Alaska Airlines.
“In tenth grade, I learned about The Museum of Flight’s Private Pilot Ground School program through a friend who also had a similar dream. I immediately recognized it as an opportunity I needed to take if I wanted to be a pilot and work in this career. When I imagine sitting in the cockpit, it shows that you’re capable of being accountable and given the authority to make decisions that can change the outcome of not only the aircraft, but the people onboard. Programs through The Museum of Flight and curriculums from Raisbeck Aviation High School have taught me that achieving your goal is not only through passion alone, but through your actions, not intentions, which determine your destination.”
James Heaviland is a homeschool student residing in the Shoreline School District. He is also a Running Start student at Green River College in Auburn. He has previously participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS) program. James will graduate with his associates degree in Aviation Technology from Green River College this spring, then plans to continue to earn his bachelors of Aeronautical Science. His long-term career goal is to be an international airline transport pilot for Delta Air Lines.
“Even though I have limited funds for pursuing my aviation career, I have found creative ways to develop my skills even with a lower income. For example, I participated in the free Private Pilot Ground School hosted by The Museum of Flight and by participating in Running Start I have gone through two years of college at basically no cost. Participating in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School kickstarted my path towards becoming a commercial pilot. That course was my first introduction into the world of aviation, and the most beneficial part of the learning experience was gaining access to connections within the industry.”
Sage Michler is a senior at Holy Names Academy and resides in the Kent School District. She has previously participated in the Museum’s Amelia’s Aero Club (AAC), Private Pilot Ground School(PPGS) program, and is a Teen Volunteer at the Museum where she received the 200-Hour Service Award. She is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP). This fall, Sage will attend the University of North Dakota and major in Commercial Aviation. Her long-term career goal is to be an airline transport pilot and spend time volunteering with Angel Flight West.
“When I reflect on my educational experience as a whole at The Museum of Flight for these past six years, I can walk away in full confidence knowing that I have received an education that has laid the foundation for my career to come. Despite the industry’s abundance of success and innovation, there is an inadequate representation of individuals of different backgrounds. A key aspect of my dream is to break those barriers, which will derive from the resilience and confidence I have built throughout the years. I would like to end with my hope, which is that one day, I will return to the Museum to support youth education, just like all of the people who have supported me in my educational experience at the Museum.”
Lauren West is a senior at Kentridge High School in the Kent School District. She has a 3.3 GPA. She is also a Running Start student at Green River College in Auburn. She has previously participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS) program and is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program. This fall, Lauren hopes to attend Central Washington University, where she will major in Professional Pilot. Her long-term career goal is to be a commercial pilot.
“Why these programs have had so much significance to me is largely due to their accessibility. Many of the opportunities I have had through The Museum of Flight were free. I am confident that if I had not been able to gain access to these opportunities without a financial burden, I may not have been able to explore aviation as thoroughly as I have. Having the opportunity to learn without a financial barrier has given me a feeling that I belong in this field, even as a student continuing to build my path. That sense of belonging is something I carry with me today and hope to pass along to others in the future.”
2026 Alaska Airlines Flight Training Scholarship Recipient
Up to $14,000 toward earning a Private Pilot License
August Johnson is a senior at Raisbeck Aviation High School in the Highline School District. He is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program. Next fall, August plans to attend the University of North Dakota and major in Commercial Aviation. His long-term career goal is to be a commercial airline pilot for Alaska Airlines.
“The Museum and Raisbeck Aviation High School have been amazing experiences. I have been lucky enough to get in-depth exposure to aerospace, science, and flight and the opportunity to work with amazing teachers and industry mentors which have helped me decide that piloting is the career for me! I could not have asked for a better high school experience. In a traditional high school, I never would have been given an opportunity to learn about weather and with as much depth without the ASP program. I intend to take more courses in weather as part of my commercial aviation degree and am considering it as a second major to complement my flight training!”
2026 Benjamin L. Ellison Future Pilot Scholarship Recipients
Up to $14,000 each toward earning a Private Pilot License
Nathaniel Alemu is a junior at Tahoma High School in the Tahoma School District. He has previously participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS) program and Washington Aerospace Scholars program (WAS). Alemu is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP). After high school he plans to attend Green River College and earn his bachelors in Aeronautical Science. His long-term career goal is to be an airline transport pilot.
“I decided to enroll in Private Pilot Ground School, which turned out to be the launch of a domino effect that led me to become the aviator I am today. I was so delighted to start the Aeronautical Science Pathway program because I was finally able to put a use to all the things I learned in PPGS and went into class ready to learn things I had not had the ability to learn online. In this program, there were things I had expected to be taught about, such as Aircraft Systems, Aviation Weather, etc. However, there are also things I have been taught in ASP that I would not have guessed to be taught, such as peer evaluation skills, communication skills, etiquette training, etc. I believe that all of the soft skills on top of main skill sets that I have been taught have helped me improve as a person, not only an aviator.”
Theologos Bui is a junior at Raisbeck Aviation High School in the Highline School District. He has previously participated in the Museum’s Aeronautical Explorations (AE) program and is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program After high school, Bui hopes to go to 4-year university and major in Commercial Aviation. His long-term goal is to become a corporate pilot.
“Since joining The Museum of Flight through Aeronautical Explorations and later enrolling in ASP, I experienced the most beneficial shift in my education—a complete transformation in how I approach learning. What started in Aeronautical Explorations as a rediscovery of my passion for flying through hands-on activities like simulators, evolved into ASP, a rigorous and difficult environment that reshaped my approach and mindset towards learning. Both of these programs taught me that meaningful learning isn’t about grades, but about perseverance, curiosity, and the journey of embracing intellectual difficulty. Although Raisbeck Aviation High School surrounds me with some of the strongest aviation-focused students in Washington, ASP raised the bar even higher by placing me among peers who consistently challenge, motivate, and elevate one another toward shared goals.”
Quentyn Rinn is a junior at Hazen High School in the Renton School District. He is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP). Quentyn’s long-term career goal is to become a United States Air Force National Guard F-15EX pilot, while also being an airline pilot.
“The ASP program at The Museum of Flight has been a dream come true for me. I have learned so many invaluable things about the world of aviation and what it means to be a part of something as important as this. Through this program, the Museum has given me the opportunity to take part in a dream that I wasn’t sure I’d see come true. After my parents both died unexpectedly and I had to move states away to start over in Washington, I wasn’t sure if I’d have the resources to access these types of programs. Participating in ASP has given me the opportunity to reignite that dream!”
2026 Aeronautical Science Pathway Scholarship Recipient
Up to $5,000 toward flight training or post-secondary education
Josslyn Clements is a senior at Kentridge High School in the Kent School District, and she is also a Running Start student at Green River College in Auburn. She is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP). Josslyn will attend Green River College where she will leverage the college credits earned in the ASP program and earn her bachelors in Aeronautical Science. Her long-term career goal is to be a captain for Alaska Airlines.
“I believe that flying whilst getting my degree has been incredibly beneficial for my education. Getting to pick up bits and pieces of what I learned from flying and use that in the classroom has been ideal, and vice versa. I use so much of what I learned these past two years while I am flying. I had a systems unit in ASP, and I understand how the airplane flies much clearer than I would have without that class. I think if I was a little girl looking upon myself right now, I would be astonished. I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have had; they have shown me true dedication and determination to become a professional pilot.”
2026 Stephen and Hazel Eastman Memorial Endowed Scholarship Recipient
$5,000 towards post-secondary education
Yu-Chen (Emily) Lin is a senior at Glacier Peak High School in the Snohomish School District. She has participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS) program, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) program, and has served as a Teen Volunteer for the Museum. In the fall, Lin will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology and major in Aerospace Engineering. Her long-term career goal is to be an electric propulsion engineer.
“Coming from a small town like Snohomish, the most beneficial part of my learning experiences at the Museum are the conversations with professionals I would not otherwise meet. They not only helped me stay informed about the latest developments in the rapidly evolving industry but also helped me understand which skills are truly valued in aerospace, enabling me to continue grow into a stronger candidate for my future career. Without the mentorship, technical training, and professional network I gained from these programs, I would not have been admitted to top engineering programs at Georgia Tech and Purdue, nor secured an internship at a carbon fiber development company while still in high school.”
2026 Stuart Knopp Memorial Scholarship Recipient
$5,000 towards post-secondary education
Tyler Lowe is a senior at Mercer Island High School in the Mercer Island School District. He participated in the Museum’s Michael P. Anderson Memorial Aerospace Program (MPA), Washington Aerospace Scholars program (WAS), and was a volunteer for the Museum’s Aerospace Camp Experience (ACE). This fall, Tyler will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. He plans to major in Aerospace Engineering. His long-term career goal is to be a propulsion design engineer and work for Aerojet Rocketdyne.
“My engagement with The Museum of Flight expanded significantly through its education programs, which emphasized hands-on learning, experimentation, and collaboration. These programs allowed me to apply theory to practice, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking rather than memorization. By working through engineering challenges and design constraints, I learned how aerospace problems are approached in the real world—through iteration, teamwork, and creative thinking. These experiences strengthened my technical foundation and gave me confidence in my ability to tackle complex STEM challenges.”
2026 Jim and Sue Johnson Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship Recipient
$5,000 towards STEM-based post-secondary education
Sebastian Castro-Cervantes is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School in the Federal Way School District. He participated in the Museum’s Washington Aerospace Scholars program (WAS). In the fall, Sebastian will attend the University of Washington and major in Aerospace Engineering. His long-term career goal is to be an aircraft design engineer.
“After the online canvas course and the summer program, I can confidently say that they were singlehandedly the most influential programs to my dream goal of being an aircraft design engineer. The Museum of Flight is where my future was shaped. All the challenges I faced, the skills I improved, and all the people I worked with carried me to a career I have good hopes for. I left the museum with a much clearer purpose and direction in mind, determined to contribute to the field of aerospace. My goal isn’t only to build and design aircraft, but to contribute to innovations that will lead to a better world.”
2026 Reba Gilman Endowed Scholarship Recipients
$5,000 towards STEM-based post-secondary education
Grace Carter is a senior at Squalicum High School in the Bellingham School District. She participated in the Museum’s Washington Aerospace Scholars program (WAS). This fall, Grace plans to attend a 4-year university and major in Astrophysics. Her long-term career goal is to work in research.
“Washington Aerospace Scholars taught me how to value my own intellect and lean on the people around me to create the best possible product we can. While I was nervous to attend, thinking I’d be out-of-place, I went anyway and was thrilled with my experience there! I thought I would be left behind by smarter kids from richer schools, but I made many friends that I am still in contact with today! I want to pursue a course of study in astronomy because I am and always have been enamored by space.”
Leah Easterling is a senior at Raisbeck Aviation High School in the Highline School District. She has previously participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School program (PPGS). In the fall, Leah will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, where she will major in Commercial Aviation. Her long-term career goal is to be a pilot for a major airline.
“At RAHS, my first experiences understanding physics with flight simulators sparked my emerging passion for aviation. Through Museum-supported RAHS programs and camps, I accumulated flight experience, technical knowledge, and the confidence to pursue aviation seriously. These early opportunities motivated me to seek out every possible way to learn more about flight and work toward my goal of becoming an airline pilot. As I become part of the next generation of pilots, I look forward to building a stronger representation of women in the aviation world. I am excited about a flight career not only because of time spent in the cockpit, but also because of the opportunity to inspire other young women to pursue this field.”
Photos and detailed bios of each recipient are available upon request through The Museum of Flight. Data is also available detailing the applicants’ school districts, gender and eligibility for free/reduced lunch programs.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager
T: 206.768.7105 C: 206.455.5360 Email: thuetter@museumofflight.org
