Women and minorities remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) 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 STEM. This summer, we’ll hold our second annual SHE Can STEM Summer Camp, serving local and underrepresented communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and in 2020 Arkansas. Applications will open on March 1, 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, SHE 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 STEM
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
About the Camp
Students can participate in one of two sessions, hosted at the Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
Session 1 - Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA
Monday, June 22 - Friday, July 3
Weekdays, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Session 2, Har-Ber High School, Springdale, AR
Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 17
Weekdays, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Session 3 - Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA
Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 31
Weekdays, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Each session will consist of 30 students. Transportation to activities as well as lunch and snacks provided.
Applications are being accepted through April 30, 2019.
Explorers will be notified by May 15, 2019 regarding their status with the camp.
Applications open March 1, 2020How 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 1 eligible school or qualify for free or reduced lunches. Nominations should include the following:
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A few sentences about why you’d like to participate
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A recommendation from a teacher or community leader that speaks to your interest in aviation
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Whether you attend a Title I school or qualify for free or reduced lunch
