The GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone is returning in September bigger and better than ever. The annual activation at the STIHL National Championship Air Races is free to area youth. Registration is now open.

“The STEM Discovery Zone is an incredible opportunity for youth to experience some fun, engaging STEM-based hands-on activities in an amazing setting, NVBAA and GRADD do a great job,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We’re excited to expand the program again this year and are thankful to all who contribute by purchasing Air Race license plates through the Nevada DMV, or by direct donation and sponsorship. Those contributions make a difference and without that support we would be unable to continue to grow this program and inspire so many youth.”

The education hub is one of the largest of its kind at an airshow. More than 6,000 youth were introduced to different aspects of aviation through STEM-based learning during the 2018 races.

“STEM learning is making such a difference in our youth’s education and career trajectories,” said Reza Karamooz, President of the Nevada Business Aviation Association. “It’s amazing to watch their expressions as they create light with a mini Tesla coil, experience flight in the simulators, drive ground robots, and watch tangible items being printed on the 3D printers.”

This year the STEM education zone will have drone workshops and an expanded drone flying zone, flight simulators, 3D printers, electronic computer-controlled guitars, a large-scale 3D printed Nevada State Capitol Building, hydraulic robotic arm, picture booths, STEM Arcade with 3D printing pens, PACMAN game in a Samsonite briefcase, a Bell 500 rotary cell phone and much more. Youth who participate in the STEM Discovery Zone also receive free access to the races for the remainder of the week.

Those interested in bringing classes and youth groups to the 2019 STEM Discovery Zone at the STIHL National Championship Air Races can contact Reza Karamooz at [email protected], or visit NVBAA.org to register.