FAQ

"What does the fee pay for?"

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Washington Youth Rocketry makes sure that every single penny of your registration fee will go towards sustaining and benefiting the program. Your payment contributes towards:

• Program materials, such as model rocket and glider supplies

• Model rocket engines

• Curriculum and instruction resources

• Classroom space and location rentals

• Launch equipment and hardware

• Permits and licenses

• Scholarships and fee waivers

• And much more that happens behind the scenes!

When the first class rolls around, you child does not have to bring anything besides curiosity and a good attitude! We supply everything that is needed for both classroom days and Launch Day.​

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"My child is going into the sixth grade. What program do I register for?"

It's up to you! You may register your child for either the 3-5th grade or the 6-8th grade program. You know your child best, so it just depends on which program you think is most suitable for his or her interests.

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"My child is going into the third grade/ninth grade. Can I still register for the Early Engineers/Rad Rocketeers program?"

Of course! In our eyes, the more participation, the better! We would love to welcome your child in our programs. 

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"My child just graduated! Can I still register him or her for the High School Lecture Series?"

There is no better time to participate! At this age, your child will have all the recommended prerequisite knowledge for the courses, and will also benefit tremendously from receiving a head start into his or her college experience, especially if majoring in aerospace engineering. 

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"I noticed there isn't a given end time for Launch Day. How long does a typical Launch Day last?"

The reason why we did not set a specific end time is because every Launch Day is different! Typically, though, we expect it to last about one to two hours. You are free to leave after your child launches his or her rocket, but we highly encourage that everyone stays until the end for a special surprise! 

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"There is a session that I am interested in that has classes that fit my family's schedule, but we have other plans already that conflict with the Launch Day. Can my child still participate?"

Sure! We would hate for your child to lose the opportunity to see his or her hard work launch into the sky. If you cannot make it to the Launch Day for the session you are registered for, you may attend any of the other sessions' Launch Days, provided that you contact us in advance so that we can make the appropriate preparations. 

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"What if it rains during Launch Day?"

Washington Youth Rocketry proudly operates under the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code at all times, and that includes not launching in rain. In addition to safety considerations, we understand that it certainly isn't fun to be standing outside being drenched in rain. If we forecast rain or otherwise unsuitable weather conditions, such as a low-cloud level and/or high winds, we will postpone Launch Day to a different day that will be communicated in advance. This could include the day after, or to the same day as a different session's Launch Day. Rest assured though that we will make every effort to give your child the opportunity to fly his or her rocket! 

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"Is there financial assistance available?"

Of course! Our mission is to showcase the wonders of aerospace engineering and rocketry to as many people as possible, so we are proud to offer partial and full scholarships and fee waivers. If the registration fee is a barrier to participation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us through email or our Contact Us form and we will be happy to help you. 

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"Something came up and my child is no longer able to participate. What should I do?"

If you find that your schedule no longer allows your child to attend the classes they have already been registered for, and payment has already been given, we allow for two options:

1) Request for transfer. You may transfer your child to a different class session, if availability allows, up until ONE WEEK prior to the start of the first class of your original session, free of charge! If you wish to do so, please contact us through email or our Contact Us form.

2) Request for refund. We're sorry to see your child go, but we understand that sometimes life circumstances can make it hard. You may request a full refund up until TWO WEEKS prior to the start of the first class, minus a $20 processing fee. If a request for cancellation occurs after this, but at least ONE WEEK prior to the first class, a 50% fee refund will be issued. We cannot issue refunds within one week of the start of the session as by then we will have fully finalized our supplies and resources in preparation for classes. If you wish to request a refund, please contact us through email or through our Contact Us form. 

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