A Flight Toward Opportunity: Make It Worthy’s Transformative Trip to The Museum of Flight

By - Make It Worthy Media

On July 9th, a group of eager students from the Make It Worthy program embarked on a field trip that many of them will remember for a lifetime, a journey not only through the rich history of aviation but into the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The destination? The iconic Museum of Flight in Tukwila, Washington.

For many of these students, this was their first exposure to such an immersive educational experience outside the classroom. The field trip wasn’t just a fun summer outing and it was a carefully planned opportunity to ignite imaginations, spark curiosity, and plant seeds for future careers.

Abdoulie Jarju, Founder and Executive Director of Make It Worthy, emphasized the mission behind the trip. “My goal is to give students at Make It Worthy the opportunity to have access to education especially STEM programs that can help them learn about different career paths at a very young age,” Jarju said. “Many of our students might not otherwise get to visit a place like this. We want to change that narrative.”

A Journey Through Aviation and Innovation

From the very moment the group entered The Museum of Flight, excitement was in the air—both literally and figuratively. The students marveled at life-sized aircraft, climbed aboard retired space shuttles, and explored exhibits that showcased everything from the Wright brothers’ first flyer to futuristic spacecraft. Each exhibit was more than just a static display and it was a portal into possibility.

Museum staff and Make It Worthy chaperones helped guide the experience, engaging students with hands-on demonstrations and stories behind the aircraft. They learned how pilots train, how engineers design safer and faster jets, and how astronauts prepare for space missions. The exposure to real-world STEM applications made the concepts come alive far beyond what could be captured in textbooks.

Expanding Horizons and Career Dreams

For many students in underserved communities, access to high-quality STEM education and exposure to career opportunities can be limited. That’s where Make It Worthy steps in. The organization is committed to bridging educational gaps and creating pathways for youth to thrive academically and professionally.

“STEM is more than science and math,” Jarju explained. “It’s a mindset. It teaches critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are essential no matter what career they choose in the future.”

This trip exemplified Make It Worthy’s core mission: providing equitable access to transformative learning opportunities. By experiencing firsthand the awe and innovation of aviation and space travel, students could begin to see themselves in roles like engineers, scientists, and even astronauts.

More Than Just a Field Trip

The joy on students' faces was unmistakable. For some, it was their first museum visit. For others, it was their first time realizing that careers in technology, engineering, and flight are not just for other people, they're possible for them, too.

Beyond the exhibits, the field trip fostered friendship, confidence, and a renewed passion for learning. As one student put it, “I didn’t know I could be an engineer until today. Now I want to learn how to build airplanes.”

Investing in the Future

The Make It Worthy program continues to grow, reaching more students with experiences like this. But the work is far from over. The field trip to The Museum of Flight is just one example of how targeted programs can change lives when given the right support.

For Jarju and his team, the message is clear: Every child deserves a chance to dream big and the tools to get there.

Co-founder and Development Director Joelta Seneh said "access to Education shouldn’t be limited by zip codes or income. We’re here to break down barriers and show our youth that their futures are worthy of investment.”

In the end, the trip to The Museum of Flight was much more than an educational outing. It was a powerful statement about the value of inclusion, imagination, and opportunity.