Introducing Youth to Aviation and STEM Programs: Expedition Mars!
Cadet Flyers STEM Programs at Above the Clouds:
Above the Clouds, through our partner social service agencies, is introducing youth from traditionally underrepresented communities in aviation and STEM fields to unique, educational experiences. Our vision is to see students from Children from the Lynn Girls and Boys Club got to hear directly from Christa McAuliffe Center staff including an astrophysicist and students from Framingham State University. The McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning provided a FREE program customized to the out-of-school time population and focused the experience and Mission Simulation by age group for twenty students. This program, Expedition Mars, was sponsored by the Center for Above the Clouds and the MetroWest STEM Network.
Unlike their more affluent counterparts, students who live in underserved communities typically lack access to what are now considered STEM basics: up-to-date laboratories, laptop or tablet computers and access to the Internet. The Lynn Boys and Girls Club has built a STEAM lab in their Club for all participants to access and provides creative STEAM program for Club programs. “A surefire way for students in the U.S. to compete in the global technological economy is to provide them with real-life applications of STEM — and children in underserved areas are being left behind” 2021 USNews Report.
Thank you to Suzanne Wright and her team at the McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University! And, for the generous support from the MetroWest STEM Network.
On July 20, Above the Clouds will bring a bus to Norwood Memorial Airport including staff, families and six Dream Flyers from the Lynn Boys and Girls Clubs to provide Dream Flights for selected participants. On August 13th, as part of our Girls in Aviation programs, Above the Clouds will provide Dream Flights for girls from the Big Sister Boston program.
