SEATTLE, May 5, 2026—The Museum of Flight’s Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program continues to grow with partnerships in Washington state. The Museum has hosted the dual credit Career and Technical Education ASP program since 2016, when it was developed in an on-going partnership with Green River College and the Puget Sound Skills Center. 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 is partnered with New Market Skills Center’s Aviation Careers Academy at Olympia Regional Airport. Like the ASP program at the Museum, the Aviation Careers Academy offers students up to six high school and sixty college credits (at no cost). The New Market Skills Center’s Aviation Careers Academy is within the Tumwater School District.
The Museum of Flight’s ASP instructors and administrators work closely with the New Market Skills Center 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 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) mentor and evaluate student projects at the Museum, while the Aviation Careers Academy receives similar support from Olympia Regional Airport.
“It is really exciting to be working with New Market Skills Center and the development of their Aviation Careers Academy,” said Rob Prosch, Director of Preparatory Programs at The Museum of Flight.
“The administration has hired a dynamic instructor with a huge passion for aviation and has so many ideas and vision for how the program can grow,” Prosch continued. “And the program’s location at Olympia Regional Airport is very important. The partnership with the airport management and location of the facility on the airport allows students to directly access the knowledge and experiences that only onsite locations can provide. It all adds up to seamless pathways for the students aiming for aviation operations careers.”
New Market Skills Center educator Dana Tschirley, U.S.A.F. pilot and Certified Flight Instructor, added her perspective about the Academy and said “I’ve seen firsthand how aviation can change a life. This program is about opening doors. Aviation teaches discipline, confidence, and real-world skills—and right here in Olympia, students will be able to see what’s possible and step directly into it. Bringing that opportunity to young people in our community isn’t just exciting—it’s necessary for the future of this industry. For many kids, myself included once upon a time, aviation feels out of reach. My goal is to make that first step accessible, exciting, and, hopefully, life-changing.”
The Museum of Flight Aeronautical Science Pathway Program in Brief The Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) 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. The Museum announced a partnership earlier this year with a replication of the ASP program with Peninsula School District in Washington state.
Tumwater School District Aviation Careers Academy in Brief Aviation Careers Academy prepares students for careers in piloting, aerospace engineering, air traffic control, and other aviation-related fields. Through hands-on learning and industry partnerships with the Museum of Flight & Olympia Regional Airport, students gain real-world aviation experience. This 2-year program prepares students for post-secondary aviation pathways and offers a unique opportunity to earn multiple aeronautical sciences certifications.
Class topics include aviation weather, aircraft systems, aviation history and careers, aviation law, drone operations, aerodynamics, air traffic control, airport planning & management, airline operations and management, and more. Students earn 3.0 credits per year allocated as 1.0 Lab Science, 1.0 CTE Elective, 1.0 CTE Elective. Up to 60 credits also available through Green River Community College. Industry recognized credentials include Private Pilot Ground School and Drone Certification.
Image: New Market Skills Center educator Dana Tschirley, U.S.A.F. pilot and Certified Flight Instructor, standing in front of an Air Force C-17 she flies. Photo courtesy Dana Tschirley. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact: Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager |
