WHAT IS THE UNITED SPACE SCHOOL?

The FISE: United Space School is the chance of a lifetime if you are considering going into a career in the aerospace industry.  Students from approximately 20-50 countries spend two weeks together in Houston, Texas learning from experts in the field.  Applying to guestservices@thehangarmuseum.ca gives you the chance to become Western Canada’s delegate.  We are looking for someone who will be an enthusiastic ambassador for our country, on an international platform, and who will also benefit from the learning and growth opportunities that the United Space School provides. This is an all-expenses paid experience from The Hangar Flight Museum.

Once chosen, the student will participate in pre-program assignments to ensure everyone starts with a solid knowledge base. When the student arrives in Houston they will work together with other students to create a manned mission to Mars. They must interview for the position they desire on the team they want to join and show real intellectual prowess, as well as the ability to work as a collaborative team member, to accomplish this goal. Students get a real sense for what types of careers the space industry offers, and also get a sense of what the lifestyle feels like by being billeted with a family in Houston for 2 weeks during the summer. In 2020 and 2021 the program was held online, however 2022 and onward moved back to an in-person program. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW OPEN FOR 2025. All applications due by January 6, 2025. Interviews will occur between February 8-23. The 2025 program dates are July 13-28.

To apply to be the next Western Canadian Delegate, you must:

• Be registered in a High School in Western Canada (Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories) 
• Be a Canadian citizen
• Be between the ages of 15-19 on July 12, 2025
• Be passionate about space
• Be open minded and accepting toward different cultures

The application process consists of:

1. Your resume
2. A reference letter
3. A 500 word essay on the topic of the year, 2025's essay topic is: What recent discovery (or line of research) in the field of space exploration is our next step toward humans reaching Mars? Why should this be the next step? (There is no right answer, just ensure you show your knowledge of the space industry through your essay response.)
4. A copy of your up-to-date Academic Transcript
5. A copy of your Canadian passport valid through November of the program year
6. A 90 second motivational video. Tell us why you want to go to Houston, Texas and why you should be the one to represent Western Canada. Optional: you may complete this as a cover letter if you are unable to send us a video 
7. Successful applicants will move forward into the interview stage of the process to determine who will be the next Western Canadian delegate

If you have any questions about the process please contact our Visitor Experience and Operations Director at guestservices@thehangarmuseum.ca 

To apply please send the above documents to guestservices@thehangarmuseum.ca (please submit one PDF file for all of your documents other than the motivational video)