U.S. Air Force ROTC was one of the many hands-on STEM exhibits at the event. Photo courtesy of David Blakeney Photography

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – A day filled with fun, science, hot dogs and aviation excitement captivated more than 700 attendees at the California Capital Airshow’s ‘Destination Aviation’ STEM event on Sept. 21 at Mather Airport, local youth explored career opportunities in aviation and other STEM fields. The event, held in partnership with Women in Aviation International, had a series of engaging activities and discussions.

“We have a lot of different programs that we weren’t able to do this summer, so we decided to combine some of those topics and career opportunities into something called destination aviation,” said California Capital Airshow Executive Director Darcy Brewer. “We thought, let’s invite a couple hundred kids and show them what’s possible. What we found in our programing, which we have been doing for about 14 years now, is that it’s about the people you meet and you talk to that inspire you and show you how to find your way.”

Various aircraft and vehicles were on display at the event, allowing youth to get up close and personal with them. Photo courtesy of David Blakeney Photography

California Capital Airshow aims to provide education, exposure and access through engaging, year-round events focused on STEM, aviation and aerospace, all designed to empower the region’s future workforce, as stated on its website at californiacapitalairshow.com.

The day featured a panel discussion with some of the nation’s leading professionals in the aviation and aerospace sectors. Panelists included Lt. Col. Merryl Tengesdal, the first Black female U-2 Dragon Lady pilot in the U.S. Air Force; Elizabeth Lewis, PhD, a space engineer at X-bow Systems; Manu Mann, an artificial intelligence expert at Micron; and Ryan Bankerd, who specializes in sustainable fuels at UPS.

“We have a truly incredible panel here today,” said Bankerd. “One thing we all have in common is the efforts we put into doing what we love.”

Speakers at the event included, from left Lt. Col. Merryl Tengesdal, Ryan Bankerd, Manu Mann and Elizabeth Lewis. Photo courtesy of David Blakeney Photography

The event included more than a dozen hands-on STEM exhibits from organizations such as the Aerospace Museum of California, Sacramento City College, and the U.S. Air Force ROTC where youth explored various career opportunities, engaged with professionals in those fields and discovered the latest technological innovations.

“It’s about getting kids involved in something fun and exciting that encourages aviation,” said Anthony Elder, the co-Founder of Red Tail Drone Academy and Sports, one of the exhibits present at the event where youth had the opportunity to explore “drone soccer”.

Attendees also enjoyed a Mad Science show and a display of various aircraft and vehicles. Winners of an essay contest also had the chance to experience an introductory flight before the main event.

“Today was so cool,” said attendee Ava Chang. “I want to be an astronaut when I grow up and I learned so much today.”

Tengesdal highlighted the significance of representation, saying, “I think events like this are great for people that are likeminded to meet people that have been there and done that. To show kids the diverse backgrounds we bring to the table helps them see that they can do it too.”

An interactive “Mad Science” show took place at the event. Photo courtesy of David Blakeney Photography

Lewis stressed the importance of hands-on learning, stating, “Any kind of STEM event is really good, especially ones like this with hands-on activities. It gives kids a chance to discover something new and fosters a one-on-one connection.”

Offering advice to aspiring young professionals, Lewis said, “Be determined, don’t give up. It’s hard work getting into these fields, but if you are willing to be determined and not give up, that spark of innovation and curiosity will lead you to success.”

The California Capital Airshow continues to make strides in inspiring the next generation, showing that with education and exposure, the sky is truly the limit.

For more information on programs and future events go to californiacapitalairshow.com.