The STEM Discovery Zone returns this September

RENO, Nev. (May 8, 2019) —The STIHL National Championship Air Races’ free annual GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone is returning in September bigger and better than ever. Educators and those interested in bringing youth to the free STEM learning hub are encouraged to sign up soon.

“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 STIHL National Championship Air Races GRADD-NVBAA STEM Discovery Zone 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.

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 11-15, 2019. Attendees can witness the fastest motor sport in the world as six racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit AirRace.org.

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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races:         
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies have shown that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

About GRADD:
GRADD CO. (Global Robot And Drone Deployment) is a Las Vegas-based Socially Responsible Nevada Corporation. GRADD is a leading technology firm in the areas of software and data analytics, using aerial drone data, as well as terrestrial ground data to create accurate 2D and 3D models. In 2017 GRADD developed and facilitated educational curriculum for Intel Corporation for 3D Modeling, 3D design, and 3D printing.

GRADD supports local schools, and sponsors after-school aviation and robotics clubs, and year-round internships at its offices, for underrepresented youth in the Las Vegas area. GRADD also supports and funds the Aviation Post 888, serving youth 13 to 20 years old in the Las Vegas Area Council of Boy Scouts. For more information about GRADD, call 702-879-9100, visit www.GRADD.co, follow us on Twitter (@GRADD_CO) or email [email protected].

About NVBAA:
Nevada Business Aviation Association (NVBAA) is a Nevada 501(c)3 non-profit charity based in Las Vegas. NVBAA supports the aviation, aerospace, and UAS industries throughout Nevada. NVBAA advocates for the expansion of aviation-based STEM Education offerings for K-12 youth throughout the State of Nevada. NVBAA’s 450 members represent Nevada’s top aviation businesses, industry stakeholders and academia leaders, plus government, and community representatives.

NVBAA supports schools all across Nevada, and sponsors after-school clubs, and year-round internships for students interested in pursuing aviation careers. This year NVBAA is granting 100 Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Training Scholarships to young Nevadans who are interested in becoming commercial drone pilots. Learn more about NVBAA at www.nvbaa.org, follow us on Twitter (@NVBAA) or email [email protected].