HAMPTON, VA - Hampton University's School of Engineering and Technology will partner with Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (TAI) to host the 2nd Annual TAI/HU Aviation STEM program for high school students July 5-11.

The objectives of the one week program will be to introduce the student participants to the historical impact of the Tuskegee Airmen experience and to the basics of how math and science are applied in aviation, to aviation careers.

"The idea behind this collaboration is to use aviation, and particularly the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, to engage young people in learning about STEM topics," said Dr. Eric Sheppard, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology. "For example, I will be talking about aerospace propulsion and helicopters on the morning that they visit the Fort Eustis helicopter facility."

TAI is serving as the primary sponsor of the program, with covering all activities costs. Southwest Airlines is covering the travel costs for the students and the Virginia Department of Aviation is also contributing to the program.

They are expecting 30 students from around the country in participation.

During the day students will visit local museums including the Virginia Air and Space Center, HU Museum and For Eustis. And in the evening students will view videos on science, engineering, aviation, and Blacks in aviation, including the Tuskegee Airmen, as well as lectures from invited speakers. To close the program the students will be assigned to teams for projects and make final presentations.

Great program to invest in our future HBCU generation. Thank you Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Hampton University, Southwest Airlines and Virgina Department of Aviation for investing into our youth.

Go HBCU!