EMU Today

YPSILANTI—For the fourth consecutive year, Eastern Michigan University and nonprofit partner STEM Flights are collaborating to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals with Aerospace Day at Willow Run Airport. More than 50 local high school students will participate in the flight experience on Friday, August 16, starting at 10 a.m.

Aerospace Day allows students to explore the aviation and aerospace industries through flight experiences, career exploration, learning programs, simulators, and hands-on aerospace activities. Aerospace Day has expanded from just 10 students in its first year to hosting over 50 participants in 2024.

"Students often lack aerospace career guidance in school, so we aimed to create an event that brings them to the airport to explore careers in aviation, aerospace, science, technology, engineering, and math within our community," said Paul Majeske, professor, and director of the School of Technology and Professional Services Management at the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.

Volunteer pilot mentors from STEM Flights will offer free flight experiences and mentoring for students interested in pursuing flight training or careers in aviation.

“Getting the students into the air and showing them their city, schools, and community can be a life-changing experience for young people,” said Carley Walker, director of Development for STEM Flights, a national nonprofit providing free flights for middle and high school students. 

“We see this event continuing to grow and aim to support workforce development for aviation and aerospace in southeast Michigan. These students are the future engineers, designers, pilots, and mechanics that the industry desperately needs,” added Walker.

In addition to hands-on exploration, students will interact with various aerospace professionals, including pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance technicians, commercial airline staff, military aircrew, local Civil Air Patrol members, Air Force ROTC, and other organizations ready to answer questions and inspire students.

This event is presented by and made possible through the sponsorship of the Michigan Flight Museum (formerly Yankee Air Museum), Jacobsen Daniels, EMU GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, Crosswinds Aviation, STEM Flights, Pentastar Aviation, AV Flight, and Unifi Services at Detroit Metro Airport.

For more information about EMU’s Aviation program, visit the program’s homepage. To learn more about STEM Flights and their mission, visit their website.

About the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology
The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology provides world-class experiences in engineering, cybersecurity, aviation, construction management, autonomous vehicles, drone technology, aviation, and other areas of study in high-demand career fields in engineering and technology. It is within the college’s mission to cultivate individuals' intellectual and personal growth through research-informed education and diverse programs that emphasize the practical application of scientific knowledge. For more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, visit the college’s website at gameabove.emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

STEM Flights is a non-profit organization that provides customized aviation education and flight experiences to facilitate learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Our mission is to create positive experiences in general aviation and inspire America’s youth to pursue STEM careers. Learn more at www.stemflights.org