SEATTLE, Jan. 22, 2020—On Feb. 1, over 150 Washington state underserved middle school students and their parents will enjoy a free day of activities supported by airline pilots and other aerospace professionals during the annual Michael P. Anderson Memorial Aerospace Program (MPA) at The Museum of Flight. The program is a rare and inspiring opportunity for students to spend the day with role models at the top of the aerospace ladder. Students engage in STEM activities like planetarium shows and designing spacesuits; while their parents are offered a workshop to help their kids strengthen and nurture their ability in math. Educators and engineers will also offer parents insights to resources and how to prepare students for high school and college.
The MPA program runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes a 2 p.m. screening of the Smithsonian documentary, Black in Space – Breaking the Color Barrier.
The Michael P. Anderson Memorial Aerospace Program is named in honor of the African American Washington native, U.S. Air Force pilot, NASA astronaut and payload commander of the space shuttle Columbia. It leverages Anderson’s legacy to inspire underserved middle school youth from throughout Washington state to participate in the Museum’s exciting educational programs while being mentored by professionals in the aerospace and aviation industry.
Participants are enrolled in an interactive online learning website and invited to participate in MPA-sponsored events, the first being a full-day event at The Museum of Flight in February.
The entire program, including travel, is provided at no cost to participants.
Images: Alaska Airline pilot helps girls with their robot, Jacqie
Callahan/The Museum of Flight; and U.S. Air Force U-2 pilot shows MPA
Day student how to wear his Air Force flight suit; Ted Huetter/The
Museum of Flight.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager
T: 206.768.7105 C: 206.455.5360 Email: thuetter@museumofflight.org
