Learning

Expanding Our Educational Partnerships  

They arrive by the busload every week: hundreds of wide-eyed local learners ready for a field trip like no other at The Museum of Flight. Thanks to ongoing partnerships with Highline, Kent and Tukwila School Districts, thousands of elementary and middle school students now visit the Museum each year for hands-on STEM experiences and to learn about in-demand aerospace careers.  

“At The Museum of Flight, we believe every student should have the opportunity to see themselves in the future of aerospace,” said Rafael Gallardo, the Museum’s Director of Education Programs and Initiatives. “Partnering with the Tukwila, Kent and Highline School Districts allows us to welcome students from our closest communities into the Museum, connect their classroom learning to fun, hands-on experiences, and introduce them to the aviation and aerospace industries.” 

This year, the Museum is reaching even more Kent students by expanding third-grade field trips from nine Kent district schools to 18 during the 2026–27 school year. Thanks to support from our donors, Boeing and 4Culture, these experiences are provided at no cost to participating schools — removing a financial barrier and helping even more students see futures as engineers, technicians and pilots. 

“Our goal is to establish partnerships with each of the seven South King County school districts by 2030,” said Gallardo.  

Introducing students to potential STEM career paths, including local aerospace careers, makes an impact not only here at home, but also around the globe, creating the next generation of aerospace professionals who will make a difference long into the future.