Empowering Future Innovators in Aerospace: A Hands-on Approach to STEM Education
The Aerospace Student-Teacher Program for Innovation, Research, and Education (ASPIRE) is a transformative initiative that immerses high school students and educators in cutting-edge aerospace disciplines through hands-on, experiential learning. Our mission is to foster awareness, enhance STEM skills, and create sustainable partnerships that drive innovation in aerospace. By engaging underrepresented knowledge and tools to excel in advanced aerospace manufacturing, unmanned aircraft systems, and air mobility technologies. With a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and inclusivity, ASPIRE is preparing future leaders to drive progress in aerospace industries while closing gaps in STEM education.
General Program Info
- Paid Summer Internship: June 2, 2025, through July 24, 2025; Monday-Thursday.
- Research mentees partnered with ERAU Faculty and Graduate Assistants on STEM focused active projects.
- $3,600 for the 8 weeks + lunch daily on campus and travel to experiential learning activities.
- Application Dates: Feb.1 2025-March 7, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance Dates: April 4th, 2025
Contact Us
For more information on ASPIRE email dbaspire@erau.edu.
More on ASPIRE
Mission
The Aerospace Student-Teacher Program for Innovation, Research, and Education (ASPIRE) is dedicated to empowering high school students and educators by immersing them in aerospace disciplines through hands-on, experiential learning. Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing access to cutting-edge aerospace technologies and fostering the development of essential STEM skills. ASPIRE aims to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals, with a special focus on engaging students from underrepresented communities.
Vision
Our vision is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive aerospace workforce that is prepared to tackle the challenges of the future. By nurturing curiosity, fostering collaboration, and building sustainable partnerships with schools and industry leaders, ASPIRE strives to be a national model for aerospace education. We envision a future where students and educators, regardless of their background, have access to the resources, knowledge, and opportunities needed to succeed in advanced aerospace manufacturing, unmanned aircraft systems, and air mobility technologies.
Purpose
-
The convergence of Aerospace Manufacturing, Air Transportation, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is shaping the trajectory of exploration, connectivity, and sustainable progress in aerospace engineering fields. ASPIRE program is a part of an NSF ExLENT grant (Award #2347094) to provide 100-200 high school students (total 9 different high schools in 3 years) and 90 to 100 educators with the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiential learning and receive mentorship in these fields to improve future educational and career opportunities.
-
The grant includes 5 informative units presented to high school students on the various AE fields. It also includes one training session for high school teachers to learn about the disciplines and receive information that they can use to share with high school students. By assessing the program, the team will learn if the program is effective in engaging young students in AE fields as potential careers.
Awareness & Engagement
Expanding awareness in underrepresented communities.
Skill Development
Focusing on technical, communication, and scientific skills.
Collaboration & Partnerships
How ASPIRE builds sustainable collaborations with schools and industry.