Jim and Sue Johnson Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship

The Jim and Sue Johnson Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship is an opportunity for high school seniors planning to attend a college, university or other post-secondary institution with focus in science, engineering, or mathematics-related to the field of aerospace. One student will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the education institution and may be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, student fees, books, room and board, and supplies or equipment required for enrollment.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

• be U.S. citizen residing in the state of Washington
• have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
• be a high school senior
• have participated in at least 40 hours of programs supported by The Museum of Flight, for example, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS), Museum Teen Volunteers, Private Pilot Ground School, Aeronautical Explorations, Aeronautical Science Pathway, Raisbeck Aviation High School, and/or other programs sponsored by the Museum.
• have taken the following high school courses:
  -A minimum of four years of mathematics
  -A minimum of four years of science, including Biology, Chemistry (if offered at your school), and Physics (if offered at your school)
  -English Literature and Composition (or comparable course)
  -If you indicate that your school does not offer one of the above required courses, you must submit a letter from a counselor at your school documenting this information.
• Plans to major in a STEM field related to aerospace.

General Scholarship Information

• Preference will be given to applicants who have not received a substantial scholarship or scholarships from other organizations.
• Recipients must enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in a college, university or other post-secondary institution located in the U.S. by Fall 2025.
• At the time of declaring a major, recipients must indicate a major in a field of science, engineering, or mathematics that is clearly connected to the field of aerospace (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Commercial Flight, Astrophysics, Astronautics, Global Security, or Manufacturing).
• Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the education institution and may be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, student fees, books, room and board, and supplies or equipment required for enrollment.
• A recipient who receives a full scholarship from another organization following receipt of a Museum of Flight scholarship must immediately notify scholarships@museumofflight,org.

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of two donors: Jim and Sue Johnson – Jim Johnson worked for Boeing for 28 years and was part of the team that developed the first Boeing 747 airliner in the 1960’s. With degrees in aerospace engineering and business administration, he served in several positions at Boeing, with a career that also included the presidency of three aerospace companies. Because he credits college instructors with having ignited his passion for math and science, Jim wants to help other students with similar interests.

Two essays are required as part of the Jim and Sue Johnson Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship

• A 350-word response to the question: After researching the scholarship sponsors Jim and Sue Johnson, describe how the traits and characteristics that define these accomplished leaders are reflected in you. Be sure to address the traits exhibited by the Johnsons as well as how these apply to you.
• A 1,000 word response to the question: Why do you want to pursue a course of study in science, engineering, or mathematics that leads to a career in aerospace? In your essay, please tell us how you acquired your interests and what you have done so far to prepare for your post-high school pursuit of an aerospace degree and entry into the aerospace workforce. Be specific about your long-term goals, and their connections to flight, space, and/or engineering. Note: if you have already submitted an essay for this same essay prompt for another scholarship application, you may copy and paste that essay here.