United States Air Force officer, NASA astronaut and Washington state native, Michael P. Anderson served as payload commander and lieutenant colonel in charge of science experiments on the Columbia, NASA's oldest shuttle. On February 1, 2003, the shuttle was returning to Earth after a successful 16-day trip to orbit, where the crew had conducted more than 80 scientific experiments.
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 Inspiring curiosity among BIPOC community middle school students (grades 6-9*) and strives to involve those historically excluded from education and career opportunities in aviation and space.
Through fun and engaging activities, utilizing the Museum’s exhibits and
educational resources, MPA sparks students’ interests in aviation and space
by connecting them to like-minded peers and mentorship from STEM
professionals in the aerospace community.
Click the QR code to apply! The program includes:
• Virtual meet-ups, in-person activities at the Museum
and fun field trips
• Meet pilots, engineers and astronauts!
• Increase awareness of BIPOC STEM professionals
• Strengthen skills and confidence in STEM-related topics
• Learn about post-secondary STEM education and careers, and the
resources and requirements to pursue a career in space or flight
• Mentoring by peer Ambassadors and aerospace industry leaders
DATES: February through June
GRADE LEVEL: 6th-9th **NOTE: 9th grade applicants must have
previously participated in MPA
PROGRAM FEE: No Cost
Requirements:
• Washington State Resident
• Participate in 80% of activities
• Internet access and a computer, smartphone or tablet.
CAAA Commissioner Recruitment
Interested in serving as a CAAA Commissioner? Apply using this link: https://governor.wa.gov/boards-commissions/apply-serve.
Our role is to advocate for the community to the Governor, state legislature and state agencies. Participation is an effective way to become an active voice in our community.
Appointments are for a two-year term that can be renewed at the Governor's discretion. Questions? Call 360-725-5664
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Ballots for the November 5th General Election are on their way to you. Considered one of the most important elections in recent history, please take time to cast your vote! Either drop in a marked ballot box or place in the mail - no postage is needed.
Remember, before the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Black people were disenfranchised through the use of poll taxes and literacy tests. Sadly, misinformation still exists today.
False: 'Voting doesn’t do anything for Black people. Just stay home. Black people don't vote.
Fact: ...Black representation among elected officials is at its highest level since the Reconstruction Era, which includes 60 Black members of Congress. At the height of the Reconstruction Era, during which Black people took advantage of the passing of laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1875 and the Fourteenth Amendment, it is estimated that around 2,000 Black men served in elected positions throughout the country, including 16 members of Congress and over 600 in state legislatures.
Fact: The number of Black eligible voters has grown steadily - growing by an estimated 7.1% between 2020 and 2024.
Fact: In 2022, Black voters made up nearly half (45%) of all eligible voters in the District of Columbia, a higher share than in any state and we compose a third of all voters in the state of Georgia.
Online trolls pretending to be Black people have been spreading this misinformation over several election cycles. Dont let anyone limit our ability to shape the decisions being made in this country.
Those old poll taxes and literacy tests tell us the Black vote was critical and it still is today. Our votes decide elections and more. Black votes matter!
The long, hard-fought right to vote was finally secured by the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Make sure you are registered to vote. Encourage your friends and family, no matter where they live, to vote. Exercise your power!
Anyone 18 years old by election day, can register to vote now. If you have moved, make sure to update your address. Former felons can vote - your right is automatically restored once custody ends. Check your status at www.votewa.gov.
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Residents of Pierce County who appear for jury duty will receive $100 a day and mileage reimbursements in an attempt to improve juror participation and diversity.
Please do not ignore a jury summons.
The new pilot program, replaces the $10 typically paid to jurors in Pierce County. It will run through May 2025 and includes Pierce County District Court, Superior Court and Tacoma Municipal Court.
Jurors in Washington are paid $10 to $25 a day, depending on the county. That hasn’t changed since 1959. Pierce County’s jurors will be surveyed to measure demographic changes and whether increased pay reduced barriers to their participation.
Research suggests diverse juries make better decisions as they spend more time deliberating, discuss more facts about the case, make fewer factual errors and are more willing to discuss racial bias.
The Legislature first appropriated $1.56 million in the 2023 budget to increase pay up to $50 a day. That number was adjusted in the 2024 supplemental budget to increase pay to $100 a day.
Black, American Indian and Alaskan Native people and those with lower incomes are underrepresented in Washington’s juries, according to a study conducted by the Minority and Justice Commission in partnership with Seattle University researchers.
Of all survey respondents, 64% indicated experiencing a conflict or hardship as an obstacle to jury service, and combined household income was a “significant indicator of a potential juror’s ability to participate in jury service,” according to a release from Washington State Courts.
The state will pay $90 of the $100 daily rate and the county will continue to pay the remaining $10. The Supreme Court Minority and Justice Commission expects to present lawmakers with the findings of the pilot program along with “potential recommendations for a more permanent adjustment to juror pay” in 2026.
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