Professional associations provide a wealth of exploration resources and opportunities to high school and college students who are interested in engineering and aerospace-related careers. For example, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) offers membership for high school and college students and a variety of resources, including Careers in Aerospace, a an informational booklet; Aerospace America magazine; advice on educational paths; a High School Mentor Match Program; and profiles of aerospace professionals. Visit the AIAA’s Web site, https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/k-12-students, to access these resources.
High school students should participate in engineering, industrial design, and space exploration camps that are hosted by colleges and universities. In these camps, you’ll obtain hands-on experience building things and conducting experiments, tour manufacturing plants and research labs, and learn more about potential career paths. Some offer college credit. Here are some camps to check out:
- Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy (a space camp experience at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama): https://www.honeywell.com
- NASA’s ASTRO CAMPS (various locations): https://www.nasa.gov/stennis/stem-engagement-at-stennis/nasa-accp
- Michigan Technological University Engineering Scholars Program, Women in Engineering Program, and Summer Youth Program: http://www.mtu.edu/syp
- Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Program: https://vsgc.odu.edu/vasts
- University of Arizona Summer Engineering Academy: https://www.engr.arizona.edu/k12/k12_SEA
Participate in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics competitions to test your knowledge and have some fun. One interesting competition is the Aerospace Industries Association’s annual American Rocketry Challenge (https://rocketrychallenge.org), during which more than 5,000 middle and high school students compete to design, build, and launch model rockets. The team that wins the National Finals goes on to compete in the International Rocketry Challenge (https://rocketrychallenge.org/international-rocketry-challenge).
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians
- Aerospace Engineers
- Aerospace Medicine Physicians
- Astrobiologists
- Astrogeologists
- Astronauts
- Astronomers
- Astrophysicists
- Biologists
- Build Reliability Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Chemists
- Computer Programmers
- Electrical Engineering Technologists
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers
- Engineers
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Hypersonics Engineers
- Hypersonics Technicians
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Robotics Engineers
- Robotics Technicians
- Space Habitat Designers
- Space Lawyers
- Space Meteorologist
- Space Pilots
- Space Port Managers
- Space Systems Operators
- Space Tourism Managers
- Spacecraft Test Technicians