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 2025, we’ll hold our 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. S.H.E. Can campers meet with aviation experts, participate in exciting hands-on design challenges and even have the opportunity to earn their wings and fly with a certified flight instructor.

Applications open for summer 2025 sessions on December 16, 2024. 

Learn About

What to Expect
Where and When
How to Participate
Contact Us
By The Numbers

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.
9%

of commercial pilots are women
4%

of aircraft pilots and flight engineers are Black or African American
11%

of aircraft pilots and flight engineers are Hispanic or Latino
4%

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
7
  • A young woman in a S.H.E. Can camp t-shirt points to a point on a board with a model of an airplane, as campers work on the plane.
  • A participant in the SHE Can camp works on calculations, sitting near the floor.
  • A man with glasses points to a schematic of an airplane on a laptop. A young woman sits behind the laptop.
  • A young man sits in the cockpit of a small aircraft. He gives the photograph a thumbs up.
  • A young girl shows off a small rocket.
  • indoor skydiving
  • A young woman wears a "SHE Can" baseball cap and headset in the front seat of a plane.

When and Where

Students can participate in one of two sessions, hosted at the Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Two campers, pre-teens, stand with their arms around each other in a blue T-shirt.
   

Session One (New Campers)

Wednesday, June 18 - Tuesday, July 1
8:00 am - 3:00 pm ET

Session Two (New Campers)

Monday, July 28 - Friday, August 8 
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 2024-2025 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 close March 31. 

S.H.E. Can STEAM Summer Camp Sponsors
Kislak Family Foundation
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
DaRin Butz Foundation  
Jamie and James Coss Charitable Fund
Bob Catell