Sky’s the Limit for Students at Air Force Museum in Georgia

SOURCE: Raytheon News [Original Article]

The engineer who someday designs a “faster-than-light” engine for an intergalactic starship could be sitting in a middle school classroom in Georgia, folding and flying paper airplanes.

That’s exactly why Raytheon is sponsoring special educational events at the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base near Macon, Ga.

The Raytheon sponsorship, announced last week, will fund programs at the National Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academy at the museum. Events include Young Astronauts Day, summer camps, Georgia Kids’ STEM Day, Georgia Teachers’ STEM Day and other programs.

“I’m passionate about the missions we support and the technologies we build. And I am also passionate about making sure our commitment to innovation through engineering is shared with the next generation,” said Lynn Dugle, president of Raytheon’s Intelligence, Information and Services business.

The museum near Macon, Ga. is the U.S. Air Force’s second-biggest aviation museum, but it also provides a full range of state-certified programs in science, technology, engineering and math.

Its programs include “Wonder Wings” for pre-K and kindergarten students, the “Mission Quest” flight simulation program for high-schoolers and a host of post-secondary education programs. The museum also offers teacher training workshops through the NASA Regional Educator Resource Center.

“The Raytheon sponsorship provides funds needed to provide scholarships to students to attend STEM special events and allows for more hands-on activities,” said Melissa Spalding, director of the museum.

In addition to the museum sponsorship, Raytheon is helping teachers at the Northside and Eagle Springs Elementary Schools in Warner Robins, Ga., attain their STEM certifications.

The Museum of Aviation is a major attraction in Warner Robins, 20 miles south of Macon. It has more than 90 aircraft on display, including an SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, a B-52 Stratofortress bomber, and C-130 Spectre gunship.

It’s also home to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to famous aviators like Eugene Jacques Bullard, the son of a former slave who became the first black military pilot.

Published: 02/25/2014
Last Updated: 06/26/2014