The National Air and Space Museum hopes to change representation in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) fields by engaging and empowering our Soaring High Explorers (S.H.E.) to seek out and succeed in STEAM fields. In Summer 2024, we’ll hold our sixth annual S.H.E. Can STEAM Summer Camp, serving local and underrepresented communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Sixty Explorers will participate in this one-of-a-kind free camp introducing them to the science of flight and exposing them to diverse careers in aviation.
Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey (January 25, 2024) and U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics for 2022.
of commercial pilots are women
of aircraft pilots and flight engineers are Black or African American
of aircraft pilots and flight engineers are Hispanic or Latino
of flight engineers are women
What to Expect
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
Dive Into STEAM
- Test aerodynamics in indoor skydiving or outdoor ziplining experiences
- Get in the engineering mindset with daily design challenges
- Launch a rocket to explore aerodynamics
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
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
When and Where
Students can participate in one of two sessions, hosted at the Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
A student attending the "She Can" STEM camp goes indoor skydiving on a field trip to iFly in Ashburn, Virginia. Credit: National Air and Space Museum
Level One (New Campers)
This session is full and applications are closed
Wednesday, June 19 - Tuesday, July 2
8:00 am - 3:00 pm ET
Level Two (Returning Campers)
This session is full and applications are closed
Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 9
8:00 am - 3:00 pm ET
Each session will consist of 30 students. Lunch, snacks, and transportation to activities are provided.
How to Participate
All Explorers with a passion for learning and aviation are asked to submit an application. Campers should live in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and preference is given to potential campers who attend a Title I school or Title I eligible school or qualify for free or reduced lunches. The camp is free for all participants. Lunch, snacks, and transportation to activities are provided.
For New Explorers, campers must be in grades six through eight during the 2023-2024 school year.
For Returning Explorers, campers must have attended S.H.E. Can Level 1 Camp. Preference is given to campers in grades eight through ten during the 2023-2024 school year.
Applications 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 are reviewed and accepted on a rolling admission basis. Applications closed March 31.
S.H.E. Can STEAM Summer Camp Sponsors
Kislak Family Foundation
DaRin Butz Foundation
Runway Fund/ Steuart Walton