Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is an independent online course and in-person summer experience specifically designed for high school juniors interested in exploring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) career pathways through the exploration of flight, aerospace design, and space travel.
You will develop many skills, including:
- Independent research
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Time management
Throughout the program, you will connect with peers and industry mentors through group discussions and alumni career panels.
The online curriculum is a University of Washington (UW) college course focused on air and space vehicle design, NASA’s space exploration program, and topics in Earth and Space Science. Successful completion of the online curriculum makes you eligible for five UW credits and an invitation to participate in a one week summer experience that provides the opportunity to collaboratively work with STEM professionals, NASA scientists, university students, and STEM educators to design a realistic future space mission.
Graduates of the WAS program are also eligible to apply for over $250,000 in Museum scholarships and receive an invitation to join Connections, the Museum’s educational youth community.
- Participate in college level coursework and develop valuable skills such as time management and prioritization.
- State on a resume or college admission application that you completed a five-credit University of Washington course, setting you apart from other applicants.
- Interact with peers who have similar interests and participate in virtual chats with professionals working in STEM fields, such as aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, radiation science, renewable resources, computer science, and procedure writing.
- During the Summer Residency, you’ll learn about the universe while collaborating and problem-solving with peers, industry mentors, and role models through hands-on space exploration projects, such as designing life support systems and living facilities on Mars.
- Develop your professional skills, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and gain job interview experience to build your resume.
- Opportunity to join an alumni network of over 2,500, who are now at top colleges and military academies or are working at STEM companies, including Boeing, Microsoft, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Facebook, and NASA.
Peyton Nienaber
Payload Design Engineer
The Boeing Company
“I mentor with WAS because it is such a well-designed program for young scientists and engineers to become involved in such a multi-faceted project where they experience team building, real life design work, and get to work on projects that they are passionate about. It is so rewarding to help guide them through the beginning of their journey and witness them grow!”
Manny Rivas, PhD.
Space Radiation Effects Engineer
Blue Origin
“I mentor with WAS because it's the most impactful and rewarding program I have been a part of. I walk in thinking I have something to give to the students, and I walk out having received far more than I contributed.”
Hear directly from WAS Alumni about their experiences in the program!
Program Details:
Phase One: Online Course
An independent online course consisting of eight two-week lessons and a final project. Each lesson includes online reading, essays, aerospace-based math problems, virtual group discussions with opportunities to connect with peers, and hands-on labs to take exploration further including wing-shape design and 3-D modeling a robotic space mission.
Participants should expect to spend 15 hours, on average, for each lesson.
Dates: November through March
Fee: No Cost
- The University of Washington offers five optional science credits for a fee of $255.
- Financial assistance for the UW credit fee is available up to 100% of the fee within the amount of funding available. Families qualifying for government assistance programs are prioritized. Applications for financial assistance will be available in December, prior to UW credit registration.
- Participation in Phase Two (in-person summer experience) is not required for Phase One (online course).
How to Apply for Phase One:
The application is closed for the 2025-26 school year.
Not a high school Junior yet but want to learn more? Please fill out the Program Interest Form below to be contacted directly with more information when you are eligible.
Phase Two: Summer Residency
A six-day in-person residency program held at The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. Students join one of four teams to select a specific focus in a cooperative design of a mission to Mars with support from aerospace industry mentors. Students will also tour local aerospace companies and engage in hands-on engineering challenges throughout the week to build their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Students who meet successfully meet eligibility requirements based on their work in Phase One are entered into a lottery for acceptance into Phase Two. Participation in Phase Two is not required.
Dates: July & August
Residency Fee: $1,850* (covers program supplies and room/board)
A 50% deposit towards the Residency Fee is not due until after the scholar has been notified of acceptance into Phase Two. *Families experiencing financial need may apply for Residency Tuition Assistance to cover up to 100% of the cost. Families who qualify for government assistance programs are given priority within the amount of funding available. Tuition Assistance Applications for the Summer Residency become in March along with Residency invitations.
WAS Info Nights
Join a virtual Info Night to meet the WAS team, ask questions, and learn more about the program.
The next WAS Info Night is Thursday, May 28 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM via Zoom. Register now to save your space and receive a Zoom link:
Please reach out to the WAS Team at WAS@museumofflight.org or call 206-768-7214 with other questions.
WAS FAQs
Have a question but don't see the answer? Check out the WAS FAQs by clicking the button below.
Teachers for 2025/26
WAS is seeking Washington middle and high school teachers to evaluate online coursework from late-October through March and to participate as an academic facilitator during a six-day summer residency held in July or August at The Museum of Flight.
In addition to the content of the university level curriculum, participants also have opportunities to interact with professionals working in STEM fields, tour engineering and research facilities, work with highly engaged and motivated students, and learn new techniques for demonstrating STEM concepts in their classrooms.
The application for the 2025/26 year is closed. The next application cycle will open in the fall of 2026.
For more information about WAS, please contact WAS@museumofflight.org or call 206-768-7214.
Download WAS info flier (Español pdf)
Washington Aerospace Scholars is made possible through financial support from NASA, The Museum of Flight, and individual donors. In addition, we thank Central Washington University and Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium for their continued in-kind support.
