Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS)

Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is a two-part program from The Museum of Flight for Washington high school juniors who want to explore aerospace and STEM. It covers the history and future of flight, space exploration, and aircraft and spacecraft design, and is supported by NASA, the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium, and Central Washington University. Phase One is a free, self-paced online course designed with NASA and the University of Washington that runs from November through March. It has eight two-week lessons and a final project, and each lesson includes readings and a quiz, a 500 to 750 word essay, and a space-related math problem. Expect about 15 to 20 hours of work per lesson. Students can choose to earn five University of Washington science credits for about $255. Students who do strong work online may be invited to Phase Two, a six-day summer residency at The Museum of Flight in Seattle in July or August. Scholars tour aerospace companies, hear from engineers and scientists, and take on engineering challenges with peers from across the state. The residency costs $1,850, which covers lodging, meals, local transportation, and supplies. Tuition assistance covering up to 100% of the credit fee or residency cost is available to families with financial need.

Applicants must be Washington state residents in 11th grade (high school juniors). There are no math or science prerequisites. The online application asks for student and parent or guardian contact details, school, sophomore-year GPA, and a short statement of no more than 150 words on interest in aerospace, space exploration, or STEAM, plus a parent or guardian certification. Applications for the 2026-27 program are open now and are due Tuesday, October 13, 2026.