SEATTLE, Feb. 24, 2026—Developed in partnership with Green River College and the Puget Sound Skills Center, since 2016 The Museum of Flight has hosted the dual credit Career and Technical Education program, Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program. ASP has helped hundreds of high school juniors and seniors achieve both high school and college credits and acquire the skills to successfully pursue their dreams in aviation operations professions including airplane and drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch and other aviation operations management fields.


In effort to replicate the ASP program in communities across Washington state, the Museum has partnered with the Peninsula School District (PSD) to launch the District’s new Aviation Academy. Utilizing the ASP curriculum, the Aviation Academy began serving students in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula regions starting in 2025. Like the ASP program at the Museum, the PSD’s Aviation Academy offers students who complete the ASP curriculum six high school and sixty college credits (at no cost).

The Museum of Flight’s ASP instructors and administrators have worked closely with Peninsula’s Aviation Academy to develop a program that closely aligns with the Museum’s immersive Career and Technical Education model, while supporting the district to make the best use of local expertise and resources. For example, airport management professionals at nearby SeaTac International Airport (SEA) mentor and evaluate student projects at the Museum, while the Aviation Academy receives similar support from nearby Tacoma Narrows Airport.


“The partnership with Peninsula School District has been wonderfully collaborative and productive,” said Rob Prosch, Director of Preparatory Programs at The Museum of Flight. “It has grown and established itself as a fantastic model of how the Museum desires to partner with education agencies across Washington state. And growth comes in unexpected ways that are mutually beneficial. For example, Peninsula hired a recently retired Navy Aviator, Commander JP Williamson, who brings his expertise and experience of helicopters to the classroom. His knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation shine when he shares them for Aviation Academy, and when collaborating with the Museum’s ASP staff.”

"Peninsula School District has been proud to partner with The Museum of Flight to bring this exceptional aviation program to our students," said Krestin Bahr, Peninsula School District Superintendent. "Aviation Academy gives our students an opportunity to pursue their passion for flight while earning real college credits and building the skills needed for careers in one of the most dynamic industries in the world. We are grateful for the museum's expertise, collaboration, and shared commitment to expanding access to innovative, career-connected learning experiences."


The Museum of Flight Aeronautical Science Pathway Program in Brief

The Aeronautical Science Pathway program is held at The Museum of Flight as an after-school program and is available to any student in Washington state. The program is geared to high school juniors and seniors who want to become professional pilots or work in drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, or any other aviation operations management fields. A dual credit Career and Technical Education program, ASP includes six college-level courses each year, with the opportunity to earn three high school credits and 30 college credits with the Green River College Aeronautical Science program as well as readiness for acquiring industry credentials such as the FAA ground school written exam. Taught by aviation experts certified in education, the project-based curriculum leverages hands-on learning experiences and partnerships with the localized aviation community.

Peninsula School District Aviation Academy Aeronautical Sciences Program in Brief

The Peninsula School District Aviation Academy Aeronautical Sciences Program is offered to Peninsula School District students during the school day. The Academy offers PSD students an accelerated pathway to obtaining the foundational knowledge required for FAA certification. In partnership with The Museum of Flight's Aeronautical Science Pathway and with support from the Tacoma Narrows Airport, this program provides immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Students engage in classroom instruction, simulator training, and practical experiences through local flight schools. This program prepares students for post-secondary aviation careers, and a unique opportunity for preparations for multiple aeronautical sciences certifications.

Images: Two Peninsula School District students take the controls with a flight simulator at PSD's Aviation Academy. Photo courtesy Peninsula School District. Two Aeronautical Science Pathway students team up during a flight planning session at The Museum of Flight. Amelia Kraskouskas/The Museum of Flight. 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager
T: 206.768.7105 C: 206.455.5360 Email: thuetter@museumofflight.org