Aerospace STEM summer camp launched for UK students

The STAAR summer camp is an immersive, week long residential programme for Year 10 students who demonstrate an interest in, or aptitude for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. It consists of hands-on activities designed to provide an experience that will help them to understand more about advanced aerospace systems engineering and encourage them to take up further studies and consider careers in STEM related fields.

The STAAR summer camp will be hosted by the RAF Museum Cosford and the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering at RAF Cosford on 16th-20th July and 23rd-27th July 2018, with 20 recruits taking part each week.

The course will be delivered by RAF Museum STEM ambassadors, industry experts from Northrop Grumman and RAF STEM personnel.

“The STAAR summer camp will provide a unique learning experience that will enable students to discover aerospace engineering and how it is applied to the design and development of manned aircraft and other advanced aerospace systems,” said Andrew Tyler, Chief Executive, Northrop Grumman Europe.

“We are very excited to be launching the STAAR programme in this important centenary year of the formation of the RAF, as we strive to inspire the next generation of young men and women to pursue academic studies and careers in STEM-related fields.”

STAAR recruits will learn about advanced aerospace systems and concepts, and will address how air mission challenges shape the way engineers and scientists design aerospace systems.

The recruits will be introduced to historical missions and aircraft design, and with the guidance of aerospace engineers and teaching professionals, they will be taught about concepts such as: wing design; hypersonics; power generation; how payloads affect weight and balance; innovative new materials and technologies; and the capabilities an aerospace system requires to achieve its mission.

They will also explore current threat environments and potential future scenarios. With their new knowledge and skills, the recruits will be challenged to design their own advanced aerospace systems solutions.

Applications for the 2018 STAAR residency are now open online via the museum’s website and must be completed by a teacher explaining why their student is suitable for the programme. The closing date for applications is 7th May and successful applicants will be announced on 21st May. The class of 2018 will be invited to attend the RAF Cosford Air Show where they will have the opportunity to meet with fellow recruits, STAAR partners and view aerospace industry products. Recruits will also be handed their starter packs and t-shirts in advance of the residential week in July.

The programme is funded by the Northrop Grumman Foundation and all places on the STAAR summer camp are provided at no cost to the selected students.

Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation are committed to expanding and enhancing the pipeline of diverse, talented STEM students globally. They provide funding to sustainable STEM programmes that span from pre-school to high school and through college levels, with a major emphasis on middle school students and teachers. In 2017, Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation continued outreach efforts by contributing over $20.4m to diverse STEM-related groups.