The Western Aerospace Scholars Program provides opportunities for Montana, Oregon and Washington state high school students to explore science, technology, engineering and math topics.

Ewan Lister, a junior at Orcas Island High School, has qualified for the WAS summer residency. It is designed to connect high schoolers with educational and career opportunities through independent learning, hands-on interaction, professional guidance and site-based tours.

In November 2018, along with more than 200 other 11th graders, students began phase one, a course consisting of 10 lessons designed by NASA and the University of Washington. While successful completion of the curriculum can earn the students five UW credits, the ultimate prize is securing a spot in phase two: the summer residency. It is a six-day experience that will be held at The Museum of Flight in Seattle during two sessions in July and August. Four student teams will cooperate to plan a human mission to Mars with support from professional engineers and scientists, university students and educators. Participants receive briefings from aerospace professionals, tour engineering facilities and compete in hands-on engineering challenges.