More than 60 high school students from across Alabama are spending the week at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center for the Alabama Aerospace Fellowship.
The fellowship, launched this year in partnership with Lockheed Martin, offers students the chance to learn directly from engineers, astronauts, and industry professionals. The program combines classroom sessions, such as formal business etiquette, with more technical experiences, including simulated test flights and on-the-fly repairs. Robin Soprano, vice president of Space Camp, said the students are exceeding expectations.
"Simulated space missions, we've done dinner etiquette, we've had dinner with professionals, and all of the professionals who have interacted with these students have been blown away. They said they have hope for the future," Soprano said.
Students were also treated to a night out at Toyota Field, where some even got the chance to throw the first pitch at a Rocket City Trash Pandas game. But for some participants, the world of aerospace was entirely new before this week. After hearing from industry leaders, including astronauts, several students are now considering careers they had never imagined.
"Well, it's so inspiring cause not only does he go up in space and do that, but it's also got me considering going up in space, which I never thought I would even say," said Harper Layton, a senior from Rehobeth High School in southeastern Alabama. "It's very moving and mind-changing, and I'm so blessed to have even come across this opportunity."
Layton said she heard about the fellowship through a friend working on Redstone Arsenal and decided to apply, despite not knowing much about aerospace careers.
"I never want to count myself out of anything, so coming here and just experiencing all that aerospace has, I didn't know there were so many careers that fall under aerospace, but there is a ton," she said. "I'm considering aerospace engineering and aerospace law."
For Addison Faulk, a senior at Hartselle High School, the experience has helped rekindle a childhood dream.
"Ever since I was a little girl, I've wanted to be an astronaut, but here recently I've been having a little doubt," Faulk said. "But after hearing Mr. Gibson, an astronaut, speak to us, it really solidified my dreams, and it really made me feel like I could do it," Faulk said.
The Alabama Aerospace Fellowship will wrap up with a graduation ceremony on Wednesday at Calhoun Community College. Students say they'll leave with valuable industry knowledge, real-world experience, and friendships formed throughout the week.
The next fellowship will be in July of 2026, and to be eligible for the free program, students must be 15-18 years old, be Alabama residents, and have an interest in STEM-related careers. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center will release more information on next year's program in the coming months, so stick with WAAY 31 for updates on how you can apply.