Education

K-12 STEM

Classroom Grants provide opportunities for teachers to supplement their lesson plans with hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities that actively engage students in creative and innovative projects, and often provides funding for programs that may have been cut from school budgets. The AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant program is one of the best resources that teachers turn to for activities assistance, and awards $250 and $500 grants to up to 40 teachers annually.

Scholarships assist high school seniors who intend to pursue a degree in engineering.

College and University

Graduate Awards and Undergraduate Scholarships assist college students as they earn their aerospace degrees. Various scholarships and awards are available for both undergraduate and graduate students, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Diversity Scholars Program provides opportunities for university students from underrepresented communities who have an interest in or are pursuing a degree in aerospace to attend AIAA Forums. Students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, gender minorities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and first-generation students receive priority in funding. 

Design Competitions ask students to solve real-world design problems. Our five annual design competitions give our best student designers a chance to put their talent front and center in the aerospace world. 

Design/Build/Fly Competition is a balanced design competition, demonstrating flight handling qualities, high vehicle performance, and practical and affordable manufacturing requirements. To encourage innovation and maintain a fresh design challenge for participants, design requirements and performance objectives are modified for each contest year.

Student Conferences provide undergraduate and graduate students with the chance to present research in a formal technical meeting atmosphere, to network with and receive feedback from respected industry professionals and students.   The Foundation supports two types of student conferences each year: six Regional Student Conferences held throughout the United States, as well as one held in an international location.  In addition, one International Student Conference is held each year at an AIAA Forum.

Partnership Programs

Exploration Generation (ExGen) program is the product of a partnership with AIAA Corporate Member Estes Education and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and provides K-12 educators with free, engaging, classroom-ready lessons and curriculum storylines to help immerse students in real-life applications of STEM while exploring various concepts in aerospace, engineering, and rocketry.

Students To Launch (S2L) is a new program, created in partnership with First Light, Griffin Communications Group, and Oregon State University, that inspires middle and high school students with the wonders of space. With a focus on those in underrepresented and underserved communities, S2L invites students from across the country to engage in NASA mission-inspired events – from hands-on afterschool activities to attending rocket launches at NASA Kennedy Space Center. Our goal is to give these students the chance to see themselves in exciting STEM-focused careers.

Trailblazing STEM Educator Award is presented in partnership with Challenger Center. This annual award will celebrate K-12 teachers going above and beyond to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators.