On August 19th 2023, iSTREAM, a non-profit organization that targets training youth in Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics, Executive Director is Brita A. Theadford, Ed. D, National Association of Minority Contractors, (NAMC), Life, Through Music, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and more, hosted Flight Bound to kick off Aviation Week here at Rowan College at Burlington County.
Over 70 students gathered to enjoy learning about Aviation Pathways and Careers, the Millville Aviation Museum brought artifacts, HealthLinks, provided hands-on lessons, there were guest speakers – Dinah Wright from Willingboro Public Schools, Ira Weissman from Camden Youth Aviation Program, Mekel Phillips from (OBAP), Samantha Whitfield, Executive Director of OBAP was the keynote speaker, and RCBC professors Ravi Moorthy, and Dave Wilson shared their knowledge of STEM. Students received a tour of the STEM programs at the campus. Students were able to learn about drones and bottle rockets. With participation of the Life, Through Music band, Executive Director Hugh W. Barnes, from Maryland, the event created an atmosphere of collaboration of STEM and the arts. The team at iSTREAM believes early exposure to STEM careers creates vision. This event provided a pivotal platform for discussions shaping the future of aviation in the Burlington County area. Students also learned about the pathway to becoming a pilot and how to join OBAP for free flight education. We had a blast ✈️✈️