Starborn Academy, Uplift Aerospace’s immersive education initiative, is redefining STEM learning and career exploration through hands-on virtual astronaut training programs for students. In this session, we’ll share powerful outcomes from recent district-wide implementations, including measurable gains in student interest in STEM careers, increased awareness of career pathways, and engagement among historically underrepresented learners.

We’ll explore how Starborn Academy integrates emerging technologies like virtual reality with project-based learning to create career-connected experiences aligned with workforce needs in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and beyond. Attendees will gain insights into scalable implementation models, community partnerships, and how immersive education can inspire purpose, possibility, and real-world readiness in the next generation of changemakers.

Emily Higgins is the Director of Education for Starborn Academy at Uplift Aerospace, where she leads the development of immersive STEM programs that blend virtual reality, hands-on learning, and workforce development. Starborn Academy evolved from Uplift’s commercial astronaut training initiatives and aims to inspire the next generation through astronaut-led, interdisciplinary education. With a background in experiential learning and a passion for inclusive STEM engagement, Emily designs programs that empower students—especially those historically underrepresented in STEM—to see themselves in future space and technology careers.