S.H.E. Can STEAM Summer Camp

Update: The 2020 S.H.E. Can camps have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Women and minorities remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) fields. With the support of the Walton Family Foundation and the DaRin Butz Foundation, we hope to change that by engaging and empowering our Soaring High Explorers to seek out and succeed in STEAM fields. This summer, we’ll hold our third annual S.H.E. Can STEAM Summer Camp, serving local and underrepresented communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and in new 2020, Arkansas. Applications are open until April 30, 2020.

Ninety middle school Explorers will participate in this one-of-a-kind camp introducing them to the science of flight and exposing them to diverse careers in aviation.

Aimed at building lifelong relationships with local students, our camp consists of a whirlwind of activities. At this camp, S.H.E. can:

Learn to Fly

Receive hands-on flight instruction on FAA certified simulators

Take off on a 30-minute discovery flight with a local flight school

Complete all of the checks necessary to finish the “Pilot” program

Explore Careers

Visit Air Traffic Control facilities like Dulles Tower, Potomac TRACON, and the Air Traffic Control Center

Explore an aircraft mechanical school Speak to experts in the commercial airspace and cyber security fields

Dive Into STEAM

Test aerodynamics in two indoor skydiving experiences

Get in the engineering mindset with daily design challenges

Launch a high-altitude weather balloon

Build Confidence

Track progress and capture milestones in a personalized flight log book

Work in teams to solve real-world problems

Connect with Museum staff, female aviation professionals, and our iconic artifacts to build lifelong relationships

Locations and Dates

Middle schoolers launch a weather balloon

A student attending the "She Can" STEM camp goes indoor skydiving on a field trip to iFly in Ashburn, Virginia.

Students can participate in one of three sessions, two hosted at the Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, and one hosted by Har-Ber High School in Springdale, Arkansas.

In Chantilly, VA

New Campers
Monday, June 22 - Friday, July 3
Weekdays, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Returning Campers
Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 31
Weekdays, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
This Level 2 camp is only open to prior camp participants.

In Arkansas

Har-Ber High School, Springdale, AR
Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 17
Weekdays, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Each session will consist of 30 students. Lunch, snacks, and transportation to activities is provided.

How to Participate

Explorers with a passion for learning and aviation in grades six through eight are asked to submit an application. Students should live in DC, Maryland, Virginia, or Arkansas and must attend a Title I school or Title I eligible school or qualify for free or reduced lunches. Nominations should include the following:

A few sentences about why you’d like to participate
A recommendation from a teacher or community leader that speaks to your interest in aviation
Whether you attend a Title I school or qualify for free or reduced lunch

Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2020. Explorers selected for the camp will be notified by May 15, 2020.