RTCA and NAHF Launch New Scholarship Program


RTCA powers professional development for Discovering Flight with the National Aviation Hall of Fame

DAYTON, Ohio – August 8, 2022 – The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) and RTCA, Inc. have partnered to create a new scholarship program targeted at educators teaching grades Pre-K – 6th grade.

The purpose of the scholarship program is to support educators who are sharing the concepts of aviation and aerospace with students through the curriculum portion of the NAHF’s education program Discovering Flight with the NAHF. The STEM/STEAM-based, multidisciplinary curriculum, Problem Solving with Wilbur and Orville, is created by ThinkTV/PBS and is a part of a course designed to empower educators and inspire students. The ideal candidates are educators who have a special interest in enhancing their knowledge and abilities through professional development in STEM/STEAM fields and who are pursuing continuing education credits in this area. RTCA and NAHF plan to award five scholarships in the next 12 months.

“With the unmatched power of PBS, the NAHF created a program designed to enable teachers to confidently teach STEM concepts”, said Amy Spowart, President and CEO of the NAHF. “The generous scholarships provided through RTCA create an opportunity to bolster educators’ knowledge of STEM by providing support for additional development. We are thrilled by this partnership and what it offers educators.”

The scholarship application will be available by September 30 and will be distributed in curriculum binders and through other channels including https://rtca.org and https://nationalaviation.org

The scholarship program supports both organizations’ core values including demonstrating community support through enhanced STEM/STEAM educational opportunities, particularly in underserved areas.

“We are excited to team up with the National Aviation Hall of Fame on this unique and vital scholarship program”, said RTCA President and CEO, Terry McVenes. “This program will provide a means for elementary school educators to confidently inspire future generations of aviation professionals that will attract and enhance our great industry.”