Copy
WCK January Happenings
View this email in your browser
In Flight with Airway Science for Kids

Ryan Sharma peers intently at the flight simulator as he focuses on determining how much he should pull up on the handles of his cockpit wheel (called a “yoke”) to avoid “crashing” his flight.  His sister, Nutan, in her own simulator cubicle realizes she is in a spin and needs to get straightened out.  And down the row, Nathan Knoell is trying out a “test flight” in order to pass to the next level of training.  All are involved in Airway Science for Kids’ InFlight program housed in the oldest building at the Hillsboro Airport under the watchful eye of their instructor, Don Amon.  Normally, about 15 middle school kids  (aged 9-14) fill the cubicles but this afternoon it is right before the holidays and many participants have already left town for good times with family members.

 

Airway Science for Kids started their InFlight class in 1991.  In addition to the classes taught by Amon, volunteer mentors provide further instruction and a culminating flight opportunity for each student.  Youth apply online for the opportunity to participate in the classes where they gradually increase their flight skills with the simulators, emphasize academic and career connections, and learn the engineering design process:  how to state the problem, generate ideas, build an item or their skills, evaluate, and present.  There is no charge to participants but they need to have transportation to get to the airport and home.  The program is funded by volunteers, grants, and the sale of a plane built by other students.  

 

The other program that is offered, TeenFlight, involves building an experimental plane, an RV12.  Started in 2009, every two years a group of 15 high school students is selected for a one and one-half year commitment to come to the building from 9 am to 3pm every Saturday to build the plane from scratch under the watchful eyes of myriad volunteer mentors/instructors and supervisor Aric Krause, and.  They learn to read plans, measure, construct, install electrical systems, and put every piece together.  At the completion of construction the plane is auctioned off.  Last year the plane sold for approximately $98,000.  

 

Airway Science also sponsors a TakeFlight program in the Portland Public Schools to offer a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) experience for elementary students.  They are working hard to bring the program to Hillsboro but are currently only in one classroom.

 

The Airway Science programs are a good addition to the diverse programs offered in
Washington County during afterschool and summer hours.  They offer an opportunity to learn STEAM concepts with a hands-on approach.  Students who are interested in participating can apply online at https://airwayscience.org/about-ask/our-program/  Jackie Murphy is the Executive Director.

Join us at this upcoming workshop on Family Engagement!

The Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro (BGCP) is proud to announce its 2017 Youth of the Year candidates! Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program for Club teens, which promotes service to Clubcommunity and family; academic success; strong moral characterlife goals; and poise and public speaking ability. The finalists nominated by the Hillsboro Inukai Family Boys and Girls Club are Samantha Arroyo, Jonathan Contreras, and Mayra Estrada.

Each year, all Clubs select outstanding teen to compete for the honor of BGCP’s overall Youth of the Year. Youth are vetted through a series of interviews with guest judges, written essays, and a 2-minute speech.

All Portland-Metro Youth of the Year candidates receive a $500 college scholarship. The youth selected to represent Portland-Metro Clubs receives a $1000 college scholarship, then goes on to compete for the title of Oregon Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, with potential to move on to compete regionally and nationally.

The finalist who will represent Boys & Girls Clubs at the state level will be announced at the  Youth of the Year competition and brunch Friday, February 3 at the Blazers Boys & Girls Club. The brunch is free and open to the public.

You can RSVP here.

Oregon ASK (After School Kids) will have it's Day at the Capitol on May 2nd to advocate for afterschool and summer programs.  Go here to register to attend.
Reward Washington County Kids with your Fred Meyer Rewards Card!

Please visit this website to link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to WCK.  You still receive the sme rewards as usual, but Fred Meyer makes a small donation to WCK when you choose to link your card.  You can enter our organization number: 86296, to link your card to our reward accont.  Thank you!
Did you know you can now donate to WCK directly from our website?  Click here to donate now!
The Washington County Kids Fund newsletter is edited by Lisa Allen.
Copyright © 2017 Washington County Kids, All rights reserved.


unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp