Universities, Industry Create Free STEM Programming for Kids

In an effort to provide parents with innovative solutions to educating their children at home, aviation universities and industry have created a plethora of free online programming – including for-credit coursework – for high school students.
 
The aim is to develop programming not only to show the link between STEM and aviation but to pique youngsters’ interest in aviation. The development of these online programs is a great resource for the industry interested in spreading the word about aviation careers.
 
Raytheon Technologies created Every-Age STEM helping young people discover their passion for science, technology, engineering and math. Designed to close the gender and racial gaps in the industry, Raytheon’s course is in addition to its work with nonprofits like FIRST, Girls Who Code, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to inspire the next generation of engineers.
 
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University announced two initiatives as faculty developed online courses that introduce core concepts and offer enrichment activities to help spark young people’s interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  “Aviation is Your Future,” a free massive open online course, or MOOC, offers an introduction to aviation for children aged 8 to 17. Another initiative that is free to Florida and Arizona high school students offers seven for-credit introductory aviation classes, all available online and none requiring previous college education.
 
Finally, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association listed several other resources including those from NASA, the Museum of Flight, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, The Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and other museums around the country.