Students encouraged to “blast off” with the Washington aerospace scholars program

OLYMPIA – The Washington Aerospace Scholars program, sponsored by the Museum of Flight, is seeking high school juniors interested in math, science, computer science and engineering for a one-week internship opportunity to help plan a mission to the planet Mars.

Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, said that this competitive learning experience is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students, especially since it is free to chosen participants.

“Students talk with and learn directly from scientists about aerospace and space exploration,” Shin said. “They would also participate in 3-D simulations and briefings. This is such an exciting opportunity, especially since you can only get this training if you are in the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) program. I would hate to see a student miss it, so I want more students from the area to apply.”

The Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) program is a NASA-designed curriculum open to all high school juniors across the state. Participants put their math and science skills to work by using the Internet to work on assignments. Completion of assignments allows students a chance to compete for a one-week summer residency. State legislators will choose the participants. The week-long internship is WAS’s most exciting component, since students get to work closely with scientists to develop a simulated, human mission to Mars.

To be considered for the program, students must be:

• a United States citizen;
• a Washington state resident;
• 16 years of age;
• interested in math, science, computer science, technology or engineering; and
• able to access the Internet to complete daily lessons.

The application deadline has been extended until Friday, Jan. 12. For more information on the Washington Aerospace Scholars program, call 206-768-5866 or visit the Museum of Flight’s Web site at www.museumofflight.org/washingtonaerospacescholars.

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