Country of Residence
United States
Age
15
Project title
ASTRA - Aerospace Science & Technology Resource Assistant
Project Summary: Describe your project in one sentence
ASTRA is a free, browser-based aerospace education platform designed to bridge racial, economic, and educational inequalities by making STEM and aerospace learning accessible to underserved and underrepresented students across rural North Carolina, regardless of their background, income, or access to expensive technology.
Website URL(s) or social media handles.
https://astra-pi-ten.vercel.app/
Project Category
My project is an existing project that I started
Project Stage
Scaling (We’re expanding impact to new locations or in new and innovative ways)
Founding Story: What was the spark that led you to start your project? What was the "Aha!" moment that led you to get started and see the potential for this to succeed?
My inspiration for ASTRA began when I moved from Forsyth County to Surry County, North Carolina. Experiencing both communities firsthand opened my eyes to the differences in educational opportunities, particularly in STEM and aerospace. I realized that access to specialized programs, technology, and enrichment opportunities could look very different depending on where a student lived and what their family could afford. What struck me most was how few free, accessible opportunities existed for students interested in exploring aerospace, especially those from lower-income families and historically underrepresented communities. I began asking myself why a student's ability to explore something as extraordinary as aerospace should depend on their ZIP code, income, or access to expensive technology. I wanted to create something that could bridge that gap rather than simply acknowledge it. That was my aha moment: I didn't have to wait for more opportunities to become available in my community; I could build one. I envisioned a completely free, browser-based aerospace education platform that students could access from virtually any smartphone or computer without downloads or subscriptions. That idea became ASTRA.
The Problem: What problem are you helping to solve? Why does it matter to you and your community?
The problem I am helping solve is the unequal access to aerospace and STEM education, particularly for students in rural, lower-income, and underserved communities. Many young people have an interest in aviation, engineering, or space exploration but lack access to programs, mentors, and hands-on experiences that could help them pursue those interests. This matters because early exposure can shape a student's future. Without opportunities to explore these fields, students may never discover careers they could excel in or realize the possibilities available to them. I want to help ensure that a student's ZIP code or financial circumstances do not determine whether they get to participate in the future of aerospace. Through ASTRA, I am working to make aerospace education more accessible and give students the opportunity to discover their potential, explore new interests, and see themselves as part of an industry that needs the next generation of innovators.
Your Solution: How are you solving this problem? Share your specific solution.
I am addressing this problem through ASTRA, a free aerospace education platform designed to make aviation, engineering, and space exploration accessible to students regardless of their circumstances. ASTRA was built around one central idea: a student's opportunity to explore an interest should never depend on their family's income, ZIP code, or access to expensive resources. ASTRA breaks down barriers in several ways. It is completely free, with no subscriptions, downloads, or account registration. Students can access it directly through a browser on virtually any smartphone or computer, including lower-cost devices. It also addresses geographical barriers by bringing aerospace education to students who may live far from museums, specialized programs, or aerospace facilities. The platform organizes learning into topics including aerospace history, flight and aerodynamics, aircraft systems, rocketry, satellites, and human spaceflight. Through educational content and challenges, students can explore these subjects at their own pace, whether they are discovering aerospace for the first time or building on an existing interest. I have also extended ASTRA beyond the screen through partnerships with schools and libraries across Surry, Yadkin, Forsyth, and Wilkes counties. Alongside the platform, I developed Sky and Space Explorers, a library program introducing younger children to aerospace through hands-on activities, crafts, and educational experiences. Since its public launch on July 17, 2026, ASTRA has reached 338 users. My goal is to make aerospace education more accessible and help students see themselves as part of an industry they may never have imagined entering. I want curiosity, not circumstance, to determine
Impact: How has your project created impact / made a difference so far? Or, if at an early stage, what will impact look like?
Since its public launch on July 17, 2026, ASTRA has reached 338 users and established partnerships with six schools and two public libraries across Surry, Yadkin, Forsyth, and Wilkes counties. These partnerships have allowed me to bring aerospace education into classrooms and community spaces, reaching students who may not otherwise encounter these opportunities. One of the most meaningful parts of this project has been seeing an idea I developed independently grow into something that can serve students beyond my own community. Through my partnerships, I have been able to introduce ASTRA to educators and libraries as an additional resource for students to explore aerospace. I have also developed and led Sky and Space Explorers, a library program that gives younger children hands-on opportunities to learn about aviation and space exploration. For me, impact is not only measured by the number of users, but by the opportunities those students gain. Every student who discovers a new interest, learns about a career they had never considered, or realizes they belong in aerospace represents the kind of difference I hoped to make. I want ASTRA to continue growing, eventually reaching students who have historically had fewer opportunities to explore STEM. My long-term goal is to help make aerospace education a resource available to every curious student,
Your Innovation: What is different about your project compared to other programs or solutions already out there? How is your project new or innovative?
What makes ASTRA different is that it approaches aerospace education not simply as a subject to teach, but as an opportunity that should be accessible to everyone. Many existing aerospace programs rely on in-person participation, specialized equipment, paid memberships, or access to institutions and facilities that are not available in every community. While these programs are valuable, they can unintentionally leave out the very students who need more opportunities to explore STEM. ASTRA takes a different approach by combining the accessibility of a digital platform with the educational reach of schools and libraries. Rather than requiring students to travel to a museum, attend an expensive camp, or own specialized technology, ASTRA brings aerospace learning directly to them. Its browser-based design eliminates downloads, subscriptions, and account registration, allowing students to begin exploring with devices they may already have. Another part of ASTRA is its focus on aerospace specifically. STEM is a broad field, but aerospace can feel especially distant to students who have never visited an aviation museum, met an engineer, or seen a rocket launch. ASTRA breaks this complex field into approachable topics, from the fundamentals of flight to spacecraft and human spaceflight, helping students discover the science and careers behind it. I have also expanded the idea beyond technology by connecting ASTRA with schools and libraries and developing Sky and Space Explorers for younger learners. This combination allows students to encounter aerospace through both independent digital learning and community-based experiences. The innovation is not necessarily inventing a new technology; it is rethinking how an existing technology can remove barriers to an entire
How many people are on your team?
1
Your team: What role(s) do your team members play? How do you share leadership with them?
ASTRA is an independently developed project, and I am its sole founder, developer, and project lead. I oversee every aspect of its creation and growth, including designing the platform, developing its educational content, managing partnerships, and leading outreach to schools and libraries. While I work independently, I collaborate with educators and community organizations to bring ASTRA to students and expand its reach. I take responsibility for the project's direction and development.
What’s Next: What are the next steps you plan to take to grow or strengthen your project over the next year? If your project is still in the idea stage, describe the steps you will take over the next three months to launch or begin developing it.
Over the next year, I want to focus on expanding ASTRA's reach, strengthening its educational content, and building partnerships that bring aerospace education to more students. My goal is to connect with additional schools, libraries, and community organizations throughout North Carolina, particularly in underserved rural communities. ASTRA has received endorsements from U.S. Senator Ted Budd and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. I also have an upcoming meeting with Congresswoman Foxx to discuss the app, its mission, and opportunities for future growth. I hope to use this connection to increase awareness of ASTRA and explore additional partnerships. I plan to continue improving the platform by adding aerospace topics, challenges, and learning activities while introducing students to emerging technologies and career opportunities. I also hope to expand Sky and Space Explorers through more library partnerships and hands-on learning experiences for younger children. Ultimately, I want to grow ASTRA from a resource serving hundreds of students into a sustainable platform reaching thousands. As its sole founder and developer, I intend to continue leading its growth and making aerospace education accessible to students who might otherwise never have the opportunity to explore it.
How do you encourage other people to join your project or learn about the problem you’re working on? If you have a new idea, tell us how you will do this in the future.
Writing I encourage others to get involved by bringing ASTRA directly to schools, libraries, and community organizations. I reach out to educators and community leaders to explain the problem of unequal access to aerospace education and demonstrate how ASTRA can help address it. So far, ASTRA has reached 338 users and partnered with six schools and two public libraries. Educators and library staff help introduce students to the platform, while my Sky and Space Explorers program engages younger children through hands-on aerospace activities. Endorsements from U.S. Senator Ted Budd and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx have also helped bring visibility to ASTRA and its mission. Moving forward, I hope to involve more educators, aerospace professionals, and community organizations. I want to show others that meaningful change does not require a large organization; it can begin with one person recognizing a problem and inviting others to help solve it.
