The Halvorsen Foundation is proud to partner with and support Governor Spencer Cox’s first annual “Week of STEM.”
During his proclamation announcement, Gov. Cox stated, “Utah is made up of STEM industry leaders in aerospace, defense, science, health care, computer science, information technology, agriculture, energy, advanced materials, manufacturing, natural resources and many other trades.”
The “Week of STEM” initiative aims to improve access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum and programs to students throughout the state of Utah, with special focus on lesser served communities who may not have had access to these programs in the past.
“There is such a demand for STEM,” Gov. Cox said. “Fifteen of the twenty fastest-growing jobs in the Beehive State require science, technology, engineering or math skills.”
Building those needed STEM skills is at the heart of the educational efforts of the Halvorsen Foundation. Col. Gail S. Halvorsen was a pioneer in many areas of STEM, including his work on the Titan rockets that helped launch our space program.
From pilots to traffic controllers, aeronautical engineers to aircraft mechanics and from airfield operations to ground crew, staffing shortages in the aviation industry, both civilian and military, make this a critical moment in aviation education.
The Federal Aviation Administration notes, “With the aviation and aeropspace industry growing, tremendous opportunity exists for today’s students.”
The Halvorsen Foundation is working with the Governor, the Utah STEM Action Center, the Civil Air Patrol and other partners to bring STEM to students and students to STEM.
As part of the “Week of STEM”, the Halvorsen STEM Fun Bus was at the Utah STEM Action Center’s Open House when Gov. Cox announced his Proclamation for visitors at the event to tour and learn more about.
The STEM Fun Bus, along with board members and several volunteers, also participated in Sanpete STEM Fest held at Snow College in Ephraim. Joining us were Snow College’s Natural Science’s and Mathematics teams, the Manti Public Library, the Civil Air Patrol and others. The event brought together all these organizations to create a hands on, brains engaged, imaginations energized experience to present STEM to over 1,500 children and parents. With the Halvorsen STEM Fun Bus, drone demonstrations, virtual reality simulators, and science displays, there really was something for everyone. Activities and resources were also available for teachers to help them build the STEM curriculum in their classes.
These events demonstrate the Halvorsen Foundation’s commitment to serving rural and underserved children. Col. Halvorsen spent his life sharing his love of aviation and aeronautics. Our mission is to inspire children through STEM using the life principles of Gail S. Halvorsen, the Berlin Candy Bomber.
One main component of the Halvorsen Heritage Center the Foundation is working to build at the Spanish Fork Airport will be an Aviation and STEM Education center where students and teachers can come to develop and advance their skills and to, like Col. Halvorsen did, fall in love with STEM.
Watch for future exciting events to catch the STEM bug with the Halvorsen Foundation and STEM Fun Bus. With your help we hope to reach even more children through Foundation activities and events.
