These past few weeks have been a whirlwind for Kiera Wilmot, 16, a Florida high school student who created a small explosive concoction while on school grounds, which left her suspended and facing felony charges.
As her story reached the science community, many connected with the teen's curiosity.
Homer Hickam, a former NASA engineer, whose story was depicted in the film October Sky, is one who recalls his own experimenting as a youth. He has chosen to personally offer Wilmot a scholarship to the United States Advanced Space Academy, according to Spaceref.com.

Wilmot has accepted the offer to the ASA. It is a special branch of the space camp in Hunstville, Alabama. She will able to take college-accredited courses in STEM education and will receive college and career preparation.  
The felony charges against her have been dropped after a petition showed outrage toward the manner in which the Bartow police were handling her case.
In May, Wilmot was arrested and accused of mixing toilet bowl cleaner and aluminum foil in an 8-ounce plastic bottle, which set off a small explosion and produced smoke on the school grounds of Bartow High School. 

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(Photo: WTSP Tampa Bay News 10)