Within every great scientist or engineer is a drive to discover, an insatiable curiosity about the world. In recognition of Carpenter’s intellect, hard work and dedication to helping others, Aerospace awarded her the Dr. Wanda M. Austin STEM Scholarship.

For Ashley Carpenter, this desire to explore the unknown was cemented during her sophomore year of high school, as she gazed through the lens of a telescope and got an up-close look at Jupiter some 365 million miles away.

Established in 2015, the Dr. Wanda M. Austin STEM Scholarship provides financial assistance to the most talented high school students from underrepresented and underprivileged backgrounds.

Carpenter’s passion for physics and determination to succeed propelled her to the top of her class at Hawthorne High School, where she was also an active leader in numerous student groups.

Carpenter will also receive a paid internship at Aerospace, where she’ll be partnered with employees who provide academic mentoring and life coaching.

Want to support future engineers and scientists?
Donate to the Dr. Wanda M. Austin STEM Endowment Fund.