Five MIHS Juniors Complete Phase One of Washington Aerospace Scholars Curriculum

Mercer Island, WA, May 30, 2023 - Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) has announced five students from Mercer Island High School successfully completed the WAS Phase One curriculum and qualified for a place in the competitive Phase Two – the WAS Summer Residency.

The five MIHS juniors are:
Harrison Benson
Achih Chen
Andrew Joseph
Mayen Nkposong
Sol Park

WAS is designed to connect high school juniors with educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through independent learning, hands-on interaction, professional guidance, and site-based tours. Since 2006, over 2,000 students have successfully completed the program and 65% have since reported being in a STEM career pathway. 

In November 2022, along with over 200 others, the five MIHS students began Phase One, a five-month course consisting of eight NASA and University of Washington designed lessons. While successful completion of the online course curriculum can earn the students 5 UW credits in Aeronautics & Astronautics; the ultimate prize is securing a spot in Phase Two— the Summer Residency. 

This summer, scholars will be presenting their design for a human mission to Mars. In each session, four student teams will cooperate to plan a human mission to Mars with support from professional engineers/scientists, university students, and certificated educators. Additionally, participants receive briefings from aerospace professionals, tour engineering facilities, and compete in hands-on engineering challenges.

The Summer Residency is six days in length and will take place at The Museum of Flight in Seattle in July and August.