Applications for summer 2023 camps are closed!
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. In Summer 2023, we’ll hold our fifth annual S.H.E. Can STEAM Summer Camp, serving local and underrepresented communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and Arkansas.
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.
Data from FAA’s U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics for 2021
Female Flight Engineers
4.4% of all Flight Engineers
Females Mechanics
2.6% of all Mechanics
Of Commercial Pilots Identify as Female
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 high-altitude weather balloon
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 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, Virginia
Session One (New Campers) - Full
June 19-June 30
8:00 am - 3:00 pm ET
Session Two (New Campers)
July 31-August 11
8:00 am - 3:00 pm ET
In Springdale, Arkansas
Har-Ber High School
July 17-July 28
9:00 am - 4:00 pm CT
Each session will consist of 30 students. Lunch, snacks, and transportation to activities are provided.
How to Participate
Applications for summer 2023 camps are closed.
All Explorers with a passion for learning and aviation are asked to submit an application. Campers 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.
For New Explorers, campers must be in grades six through eight.
For Returning Explorers, campers must be in grades seven through nine.
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
S.H.E. Can STEAM Summer Camp Sponsors
Walton Family Foundation, recommended by Steuart Walton
DaRin Butz Foundation