Baldwin Students Explore Careers in Aviation

Thanks to support from the JetBlue Foundation, middle school students from the Baldwin Union Free School District participated in a hands-on STEM program that combined classroom learning with experiences at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, introducing them to careers in aviation and aerospace.

Throughout the program, students explored flight tracking technology, weather, artificial intelligence, airport operations, and the teamwork required to keep aircraft moving safely. Through lessons at school and hands-on activities at the Museum, students learned how STEM is applied throughout the aviation industry.

The program concluded with a Family STEM Night at the Museum, where students in the Aerospace After School Program explored the Museum’s galleries with their families, received certificates, and enjoyed a screening of “Cities of the Future,” highlighting how careers in STEM and aviation are within their reach.

"We're grateful to the JetBlue Foundation for helping us create experiences that connect classroom learning with the real world," said Inés Jijón-Llenza, Director of Education at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. "Our hope is that students leave this program excited about STEM and inspired by the opportunities in aviation."

The program introduced students to aviation career pathways while reinforcing how classroom learning connects to real-world experiences. Through partnerships like this, the Cradle of Aviation Museum continues to inspire the next generation of innovators and aviation professionals.

"We were delighted to partner with the Cradle of Aviation Museum to provide this enriching experience for our students," shared Dr. Stephanie Rengifo, assistant superintendent for instruction for Baldwin UFSD. "While the program introduced students to exciting careers in aerospace, engineering, and STEM, its greatest value extended beyond scientific exploration. Through hands-on learning, students strengthened the critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills that are central to Baldwin's Future Ready Competencies and New York State's Portrait of a Graduate. This learning series embodied the spirit of a true 'Leaving to Learn' opportunity by bringing authentic, real-world expertise directly into the classroom, allowing students to make meaningful connections between their learning and future career pathways."