Maryknoll School students may learn engineering and aerospace concepts firsthand thanks to the school’s partnership with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
CAP, the U.S. Air Force civilian auxiliary that responds to emergencies, revamped its headquarters near Keehi Lagoon with more than $750,000 in renovations earlier this month.
Classroom space and the latest technologies will be available for Maryknoll students interested in the aerospace field through a new program introduced just for the partnership.
The Mx Scholar Program for STEM & Aerospace includes an advanced science, technology, engineering and math curriculum; project based learning, internships, mentorship, and leadership training.
The Maryknoll School – CAP partnership was established more than five decades ago, and the Maryknoll School Cadet Squadron has grown to be one of the largest units in the Hawaii Wing, according to Perry Martin, president of Maryknoll School and CAP captain.
“They will learn the real-world application of STEM in aerospace and aviation, under the hood and in the sky,” he said. “In addition to their science labs, they’ll get to train on flight simulators. Students who are interested can also train on actual planes, and through the program, it’s even possible for a student to get their pilot’s license before their driver’s license.”
Martin said Maryknoll is looking to partner with STEM companies, and BAE Systems and Mitsunaga & Associates, Inc. have already agreed to get on board.
Students accepted into the Mx Scholar program will double as cadets in the school’s Civil Air Patrol Squadron.
According to Martin, the Hawaii Science & Technology Institute has projected the STEM field will need 3,300 new workers over the next two years.
“Our hope is that the Mx Scholar Program for STEM & Aerospace will unlock the potential in today’s young people and enable them to literally and figuratively touch the stars,” he said.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/blog/2015/09/maryknoll-school-amps-up-stem-program-through.html