Pathways to Aviation — formerly known as the Reno Air Racing Foundation — will unveil an expanded Aviation Learning Center expansion during this year’s Reno National Championship Air Races to accommodate more than 5,000 elementary, middle, high school and college students for five days of hands-on learning, exhibits, classes and presentations.
The Aviation Learning Center has been expanded from 4,800 square feet to more than 104,000 square feet over two acres for students to attend during the races. The area will include an Aircraft and Rocketry tent, Space Exploration classroom tent, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle tent, and a Career and Industry tent with aviation industry businesses, colleges and representatives of all forms of the aviation industry.
Pathways to Aviation is also teaming up with the University of Nevada to host an expanded Drone Zone.
More than 3,000 students have been registered for field trips to visit the Aviation Learning Center and it is projected that nearly 5,000 students will be participating in classes and hands on learning experiences available in the Aviation Learning Center.
Over 10 high schools are expected to participate in High School day programs at Reno/Stead Airport during the Reno Air Races.
“The aviation industry is looking for a professional workforce in our state and we intend to chart a course for kids in grades 5 through college and develop a workforce to meet the demands of the aviation industry in Nevada,” said Eric Henry, president of the board of directors of Pathways to Aviation.
Key features to the Aviation Learning Center are classes and presentations, aviation expert presentations, career discussions, drone flying, drone building, rocketry and industry workshops. The Learning Center will also feature aviation businesses and universities displays and information, host college and career discussions and workshops, offer hands on experiences and educational exhibits for all students.
The Aviation Learning Center will be open Wednesday through Sunday (Sept 14-18) during the Reno Air Races.