Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is an online distance learning course and summer experience specifically designed for high school juniors in Washington State interested in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) pathways through the exploration of flight, aerospace design, and space travel.
The online curriculum is a University of Washington college course focused on air and space vehicle design and NASA’s space exploration program as well as topics in Earth and Space Science. If scholars successfully complete the online curriculum, they are eligible for five UW credits and eligible to participate in multi-day summer experiences that provide them the opportunity to work with STEM professionals, NASA scientists, university students, and STEM educators.
Graduates of the WAS program gain access to $250,000 worth of exclusive scholarship opportunities and an invite to join The Museum of Flight's Connections Club.
Hear directly from WAS Alumni about their experiences in the program!
- Participating in the online distance learning course helps students understand the components and expectations for college level coursework while they are still in high school, particularly the importance of good time management and the ability to prioritize.
- Being able to state on a resume or college admission application that they completed a five-credit University of Washington course, while in high school, will help to set them apart from other applicants.
- Regardless of where they live, participating in WAS enables students to interact with like-minded peers and participate in virtual chats with STEM professionals currently working in a field of interest to them.
- The summer experiences provide students the opportunity to have fun learning about the universe in which we live, to meet other students with similar interests, and to challenge themselves to plan realistic future space missions.
- Being a graduate of the WAS program puts scholars in an alumni network of over 2000 other applicants who are now at top colleges and military academies across the country and who work at STEM companies, including Boeing, Microsoft, SpaceX, Facebook and NASA.
Program Details:
Phase One: Online Course
An asynchronous, online course consisting of 8 lessons and a final project. Each lesson is a mix of online reading, essays, aerospace-based math problems, virtual group discussions, and hands-on labs.
Dates: November through March
Fee: No Cost
- The University of Washington offers five optional science credits for a fee of $255.
- Families experiencing financial need may apply for Credit Tuition Assistance to cover up to 100% of the cost. Families who qualify for government assistance programs are given priority within the amount of funding available.
- Tuition Assistance applications for UW Credit will be available in December, before registration for the UW credit. Participation in Phase Two is not required for Phase One.
How to Apply for Phase One:
To apply, visit the application link and complete the form as instructed.
Not a high school Junior yet but want to learn more? Fill out the Program Interest Form below to be contacted directly with more information about the program for when you are eligible.
Phase Two: Summer Residency
A six-day residency program held at The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. Acceptance into Phase Two is based on performance in Phase One. Participation in Phase Two is not required.
Dates: July & August
Residency Fee: $1,850* (covers program supplies and room/board)
- A 50% deposit towards the Residency Fee is not due until after the scholar has been notified of acceptance into Phase Two.
- *Families experiencing financial need may apply for Residency Tuition Assistance to cover up to 100% of the cost. Families who qualify for government assistance programs are given priority within the amount of funding available. Tuition Assistance Applications for the Summer Residency are available in March along with Residency invitations.
WAS Info Nights
Join a virtual Info Night to meet the WAS team, ask questions, and learn more about the program.
Upcoming Dates:
- Thursday, September 18, 2025, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT
- Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT
- Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT
Please reach out to the WAS Team at WAS@museumofflight.org or call 206-768-7214 with other questions.
WAS FAQs
Have a question but don't see the answer? Check out the WAS FAQs by clicking the button below.
Teachers Wanted for 2024/25
WAS is seeking Washington middle and high school teachers to evaluate online coursework from late-October through March and to participate as an academic facilitator during a six-day summer residency held in July or August at The Museum of Flight.
In addition to the content of the university level curriculum, participants also have opportunities to interact with professionals working in STEM fields, tour engineering and research facilities, work with highly engaged and motivated students, and learn new techniques for demonstrating STEM concepts in their classrooms.
Apply Now!
For more information about WAS, please contact WAS@museumofflight.org or call 206-768-7214.
Download WAS info flier (Español pdf)
Washington Aerospace Scholars is made possible through financial support from NASA, The Boeing Company, Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation, The Museum of Flight, and individual donors. In addition, we thank Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium for their continued in-kind support.
