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Governor Gregoire with The Museum of Flight Launches Washington Aerospace Scholars

For Immediate Release: June 7, 2006

Program for high school students will create exciting opportunities in math, engineering, physics and chemistry


OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced the launch of Washington Aerospace Scholars, a statewide partnership through the Washington Aerospace Scholars Foundation with The Museum of Flight, The Boeing Company, the Aldarra Foundation, Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, The Avista Foundation, Washington legislators, the Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Terry Bergeson, the NASA Johnson Space Center, schools and business partners.

The program will give high school students the opportunity to participate in hands-on engineering activities, tour facilities at Boeing, the University of Washington, Microsoft and Battelle, receive mentoring from astronauts, pilots, engineers and scientists and conduct a project on Mars exploration.

�In order for Washington to remain competitive in the global economy, we must have a skilled, diverse workforce,� said Governor Gregoire. �The Scholars program is a unique way for students to prepare themselves for the high-level positions that are needed in Washington and around the world.�

In order to be nominated for participation in the WAS program, students must apply through their local legislators. Governor Gregoire and other statewide elected officials will also have opportunities to nominate students for the 10 web-based lessons and the six-day �summer residency� beginning in 2007 at The Museum of Flight.

Each nominated student must be a U.S. citizen, at least 16 years of age, a Washington resident, currently in their junior year of high school, interested in math, science, engineering or computer science and committed to a one-year relationship with The Museum of Flight, including a designated six-day residential experience during the summer. Students will need access to the internet and e-mail at their home, school, or public library in order to complete the 10 online lessons.

The application process will begin in September 2006. For information on applying, please contact your local legislator in August 2006.


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