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 2022, we’ll hold our fourth 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.

By The Numbers: Women in Flight

Data from FAA’s U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics for 2020

1,307

Female Flight Engineers
4.3% of all Flight Engineers

7,860

Females Mechanics
2.6% of all Mechanics

7%

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.

 

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.

In Chantilly, Virginia

New Campers
August 1-12
8:00 am - 3:00 pm ET

Returning Campers
This Level 2 camp is only open to prior camp participants.
June 29-July 12
8:00 am - 3:00 pm ET

In Springdale, Arkansas

Har-Ber High School
June 15-28
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

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

Internships

S.H.E. Can intern positions are now filled. Check out other internship opportunities at the National Air and Space Museum.

S.H.E. Can STEAM Summer Camp Sponsors

Walton Family Foundation, recommended by Steuart Walton 

DaRin Butz Foundation