Astronaut Anousheh Ansari To Be There For Opening Ceremony

The innovation and achievement available through aviation and the sciences are available to everyone, but young women often underestimate the opportunities available to them. The Experimental Aircraft Association, which hosts the world-renowned EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in each year, believes these areas hold great potential for any young person with the knowledge and motivation to succeed.

That's why EAA is continuing its "Women Soar" event on July 22-23, coinciding with the start of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration, on July 23-29. The 55th annual EAA fly-in convention is the perfect place to showcase the possibilities available to girls in aviation and science, as these young people decide their future paths.

"We're encouraging attendance by girls at an age where they are thinking about what they want to do with their lives and introducing to women in careers that many girls may never have considered," said Elissa Lines, EAA's Vice President of Development. "They may be attracted to aviation, the sciences or engineering, but never considered it as a lifelong pursuit. Women Soar will plant those seeds that may allow these girls to explore their own potential."

The two-day program includes breakout sessions devoted to particular aviation and science pursuits, as well as presentations from female mentors representing aviation and industry. In addition, everyone attending will have the opportunity to explore the dynamic world of flight at EAA AirVenture as part of the organized activities.

As part of the opening welcome program on Sunday, July 22, astronaut Anousheh Ansari will participate as a special guest. In September 2006, Ansari became the first female private space explorer and the first astronaut of Iranian descent, when she flew on the Soyuz TMA-9 mission and spent eight days on the International Space Station. Ansari and her family also sponsored the $10 million Ansari X Prize, which recognized the pursuit of the first successful civilian space mission.

EAA's Women Soar 2007 encourages all women to participate, but particularly young women entering grades eight through 12, their parents and all teachers. Registration for students wanting to participate in this one-of-a-kind event is just $10. Local Girl Scouts groups are also coordinating overnight camping during the event for those interested.

In addition, there will be an essay contest in conjunction with this year's event, as well as a scholarship in the name of the late Ethel Finley, a World War II-era Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) and EAA supporter, which will support attendance at the EAA Air Academy or enrollment in the organization's online Aeroscholars program.

As details are finalized, complete information and registration forms will be available on EAA's website. Keep checking back for updates.

FMI: www.eaa.org