GE Aerospace Funds Smithsonian Classrooms to Boost STEM Education

The donation extends beyond physical space, funding a dedicated educator to lead object-based "Museum Labs" field trips. These sessions are designed to immerse K–12 students in the practical science of flight, directly engaging them with the museum's collection. According to Beth Crownover, the museum's Broh-Kahn Weil Director of Education, the investment transforms how students interact with history by highlighting the professional paths required to preserve and present these iconic items.

This commitment follows an additional $1 million contribution from the company to sponsor the Demonstration Theater within the "How Things Fly" gallery. Meghan Thurlow, president of the GE Aerospace Foundation, noted that the partnership seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and pilots by expanding accessible, interactive learning. The museum, located on Jefferson Drive in Washington, D.C., remains a focal point for these programs, which are integrated into its daily operations alongside the facility's broader educational outreach.