NASA Administrator Charles Bolden spoke Tuesday (Sept. 23) at an event which celebrated the launch of the Flying Classroom a new program designed to inspire and engage students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. 

The event was held at the Signature Aviation Terminal of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia and featured the official launch of the Flying Classroom by Barrington Irving, who holds the Guinness World Record as the youngest person and first African American pilot to fly solo around the world.

Irving will travel to all seven continents over three consecutive school years, according to a NASA press release. Over the course of his flights, students will have virtual access to Irving's adventure through videos and a real-time storytelling blog featuring NASA content.

Students in schools that use the Flying Classroom curriculum, which is aligned to the National Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, also will study STEM subjects relevant to each expedition as they track the Flying Classroom team.

The Flying Classroom has been designed for students K-8, according to the company's website. 

To follow the Flying Classroom adventure, visit:

http://www.flyingclassroom.com

To learn more about NASA's STEM education initiatives, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education