The Alaska Air Show Association supports aerospace educational activities for young people of all ages. During 2007, AASA provided four scholarships to Anchorage area children in the 10 - 12 year old age group to attend week long camp at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai http://www.akchallenger.org/. Children winning trips to the week long science and technology adventure camp were drawn by lottery at the 2006 Arctic Thunder Air Show. They completed “Trainee Selection Cards” by visiting various static displays to learn about the aircraft and get their cards stamped. The Challenger Learning Center inspires students to pursue education in science, technology, engineering and math by providing a series of fun, hands-on science experiences during the camper’s week long stay.
AASA awarded two lucky teenagers roundtrip airfare and a weeklong stay at the Aviation Challenge Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center located in Huntsville, Alabama http://www.spacecamp.com/. Teens in the 13 - 18 year group that attended Arctic Thunder 2006 earned their eligibility to enter the lottery for this trip by completing their “Trainee Selection Cards.” One name was drawn at the end of each air show day. Winners had their choice of attending either Space Camp or Aviation Challenge Camp. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge uses space and aviation as a platform to excite and educate young people in the fields of science, math, and technology.
The Alaska Air Show Association also supports collegiate aviation education. In 2006, AASA established two scholarships for aviation majors at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Alaska residents who are full-time students enrolled in any aviation degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage are eligible to apply for the Alaska Air Show Association Aviation Scholarship. The scholarship is administered by UAA http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/scholarships/ctc.cfm Full-time students enrolled in the UAA professional piloting program are also eligible to receive an Alaska Air Show Association Flight Training Award. Flight Training Awards are administered directly by the UAA Flight Operations Department. Three UAA students, Desiree McIntosh, Glenn Roose and Maria Terrazas each received $2000 AASA Aviation Scholarships for academic year 2007-2008.
