Aerospace Museum of California

The Aerospace Museum of California is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a leading STEM education hub in Northern California, providing immersive, hands-on learning experiences that connect visitors to the past, present, and future of aerospace. With a 40,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 4.5-acre outdoor Air Park, and more than 40 historic aircraft and aerospace artifacts, the museum serves as a dynamic center for discovery, innovation, and inspiration. In 2025, the museum significantly expanded its reach and community impact, welcoming 143,149 visitors and engaging 65,133 students through field trips, summer camps, and educational programming. This growth reflects a 29% increase in visitors over the prior year and demonstrates the museums continued momentum as a regional leader in STEM education and access. The museum remains deeply committed to removing financial barriers to participation. Through donor-supported access initiatives, schools are able to attend at reduced cost and every student receives a scholarship, ensuring that 100% of students can participate regardless of financial circumstances. This commitment allows the museum to reach underserved communities across the Sacramento region and inspire students who may not otherwise have access to STEM opportunities.STEM Education and Student ImpactSTEM education remains the museums highest priority and the foundation of its mission-driven work. In 2025, 13,859 students participated in structured, standards-aligned museum tours, while 2,649 youth engaged in hands-on summer camp programs designed to build technical skills, creativity, and confidence. Across all programs, more than 65,000 students were reached through immersive STEM learning experiences aligned with California State Academic Standards. These programs are intentionally designed to spark curiosity, strengthen critical thinking, and introduce real-world career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By combining hands-on activities with exposure to aviation and aerospace innovation, the museum helps students see themselves as future engineers, pilots, and problem-solvers.Signature Program We Can Do It TogetherThe museums flagship We Can Do It Together Women in STEAM initiative continues to serve as a powerful driver of equity and opportunity in STEM education. In 2025, the program hosted its fifth annual event, building on a legacy that has now served more than 5,000 girls since inception. In 2025 alone, more than 1,200 girls participated in hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship experiences with women leaders in STEAM careers. Participants explored career pathways, built confidence, and gained exposure to opportunities they may not have previously considered. The program directly addresses gender and access gaps in STEM fields and stands as a signature example of the museums commitment to empowering underserved and underrepresented students across the region.Exhibitions and Public EngagementIn 2025, the museum delivered high-impact exhibitions and immersive experiences that attracted record audiences and elevated public engagement. The Snoopy and the Red Baron traveling exhibition premiered in October and drew 50,012 visitors, making it one of the highest-attended exhibitions in the museums history. This highly interactive experience combined aviation history, storytelling, and hands-on STEM activities, including scavenger hunts and family-focused learning experiences that engaged visitors of all ages. The exhibit created meaningful entry points for young learners while reinforcing the museums role as a place where imagination and education intersect. In addition to this featured exhibition, the museum continued to offer a dynamic mix of rotating and permanent exhibits showcasing aerospace innovation, rare artifacts, and historic aircraft, reinforcing its national recognition as one of the top space and aviation museums in the United States.Scholarships and Workforce DevelopmentThe Aerospace Museum of California continues to build pathways into aerospace careers through targeted scholarship and workforce development programs. In 2025, the museum awarded Private Pilot License scholarships of $12,500 to aspiring young aviators, providing life-changing access to flight training and professional development. These scholarships are designed to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for students who demonstrate passion, dedication, and potential in aviation. By connecting education to real-world career pathways, the museum plays a critical role in developing the next generation of aerospace professionals.Community Engagement and PhilanthropyCommunity support and philanthropic investment are central to the museums success and growth. In 2025, the museum strengthened its network of supporters through initiatives such as the Emeritus Trustees Program, which brought together more than 50 leaders from corporate, civic, education, and philanthropic sectors. These leaders provide essential support that expands access to STEM education, enhances exhibits, and sustains long-term program growth. Through leadership recognition events and community partnerships, the museum continues to deepen engagement, increase visibility, and inspire investment in its mission. This collaborative model ensures that the museum remains a vibrant and accessible resource for the entire region.Volunteer ImpactVolunteers play a vital role in delivering the museums programs and extending its reach into the community. In 2025, 386 active volunteers contributed 17,188 hours of service in support of museum operations, educational programs, and visitor engagement. Their dedication enhances the visitor experience, supports program delivery, and strengthens the museums ability to serve a growing and diverse audience.Growth and Organizational ImpactThe Aerospace Museum of California continues to demonstrate strong, measurable growth in both reach and impact. With a 29% increase in annual visitors and expanded program participation, the museum is reaching more students and families than ever before. Operating without direct city or state funding, the museum relies on earned revenue, philanthropy, and strategic partnerships to sustain and expand its mission. This model reflects both fiscal responsibility and strong community trust. As the museum continues to grow, it remains focused on delivering high-quality STEM education, increasing access for underserved populations, and inspiring the next generation to explore, discover, and lead in aerospace and beyond.Title SummaryIn 2025, the Aerospace Museum of California achieved record growth and impact, inspiring more than 143,000 visitors and engaging over 65,000 students through hands-on STEM education, transformative programs, and high-impact exhibitions. Through strong community support, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to access and equity, the museum continues to serve as a leading force in aerospace education and workforce development in Northern California.