The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) again has awarded drone kits to student groups across West Virginia to increase the number of youths – particularly girls – engaged in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities. More than 1,260 young people, including 664 girls, are expected to benefit from the donations.
MAMC selected the awardees because of their commitment to participate in state drone competitions sponsored by MAMC and other STEM-focused groups and for their proposals to recruit female participants. The donations are made possible through the financial support of the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium and its commitment to promote STEM education opportunities across the Mountain State.
“Drones are a great way to engage young people in the STEM fields in a way that’s both educational and entertaining,” said Kara Mullins MAMC STEM coordinator. “We’re especially eager to work with the awardees to encourage more girls, who are underrepresented in STEM, to participate. We are optimistic these drones will spark a curiosity among some of the children to consider careers in the STEM fields, where there is not enough skilled talent to fill available American jobs.”
The drone awardees are Milton Middle School Technology Boost Afterschool Club, Our Lady of Fatima Parish School, St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Joesph Catholic High School in Cabell County; Coda Mountain Academy in Fayette County; UKnight afterschool program in Greenbrier County; Girl Scout Troop 4847 and the Jett family in Kanawha County; Monongah Middle School In Marion County; McDowell County Gifted Program in McDowell County; Suncrest Middle School in Monongalia County; Pendelton County 4-H in Pendelton County; Aurora School In Preston County; Girl Scout Troop in Putnam County; Jackson Middle School Makers Club and Jefferson Elementary School in Wood County; and Herndon Consolidated School in Wyoming County.
Drone teams will have an opportunity to put their drone skills to the test Dec. 10 during the Marshall University Aerial Drone Qualifing Tournament in Huntington presented by MAMC. Teams can register at https://www.robotevents.com/robot-competitions/adc/RE-ADC-23-2604.html#general-info. For more information, contact Mullins at or 304.781.1624.
Oct. 30, 2023
