Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is partnering with a 28-year-old alumna and graduate student on an around-the-world solo flight to promote women in aviation and careers focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Shaesta Waiz, the first civilian female certified pilot from Afghanistan, is planning a 90-day mission that would make her the youngest female to attempt the solo flight around the world.

To begin on June 2, 2016 in Daytona Beach, Fla., the “Dream Soar’s Global Solo Flight for STEM” mission will involve 27,318-nm, 33 stops, 18 countries and five continents. Waiz will flight the mission in a 2001 Beechcraft Bonanza modified with tip tanks. The mission includes a series of outreach events that will be held along the way, where she and other women will serve as ambassadors for STEM and aviation.

Waiz, born in a refugee camp in Afghanistan but raised in California after her family escaped the Afghan-Soviet war, has been coordinating with ICAO and the United Nations on the mission, which includes a week-long stop in her native country. The UN is helping with the arrangements for some of the locations, as well as the outreach events planned along the way.

High Performance Aircraft is supplying the aircraft that is being ferried to the U.S. from Africa. Waiz, who has logged about 500 hours, has worked closely with the American Bonanza Society to familiarize herself with the aircraft and will begin training in the Bonanza at FlightSafety International in January. After that, she said she will have the Bonanza, N36ER, at her disposal to fly every day in preparation for the missions.

“As a pilot, I have this passion for aviation that I want to share. But it’s more than that. I want to show women that they can succeed in anything–including flying around the world,” she said.

Waiz already has begun her outreach, promoting STEM and discussing her mission in 12 states and six countries. About two years of planning has gone into the mission so far, and she has teamed with other students and industry partners to establish a Facebook page, crowdfunding site and other outreach materials.

Along with Embry-Riddle, Avfuel has committed to providing fueling and trip support and Beeline is providing technical support. She has lined up a number of other sponsors, such as Bose, the Florida Aviation Business Association and Dick and Betsy DaVos family foundation.