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Idaho Aeronautics' ACE Academy June 12-15 will include
teacher's STEM "Living Lab"

For the last quarter century, Idaho's Division of Aeronautics has presented an Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Academy for Idaho high school students early each summer. This year, they are taking in a step further and introducing a Teacher STEM day during the four-day (June 12-15) event.

Applications are still being accepted. To download an application form, visit ACEAcademyBoise.weebly.com

The ACE Academy provides an interactive summer experience for high school students ages 14-18. It introduces participants to aerospace career opportunities through activities that have included aviation-themed tours, talks by individuals who work in the aerospace industry, and experiences ranging from drones and virtual reality, to flights in general aviation airplanes.

More than 315,000 students have participated in ACE Academies held across the country since 1989. In excess of 650 Gem State students age 14-18 have taken part since Idaho's event started in 1992.

June 14 will be a special teacher day focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) engagement through an experiential learning opportunity. The ACE Academy Living Lab will allow teachers to participate alongside ACE students in a project-based activity at Boise State University (BSU). The lab will include a tour of the BSU wind tunnel.

Through the lens of aviation, the Living Lab will advance STEM awareness and education by improving the scientific literacy of participants via aviation. ACE students will be equipped with knowledge to make informed decisions about potential career paths in STEM in general, and aerospace in particular. ACE teachers will be able to bring STEM concepts to life in their classrooms using practical examples from the world of aviation.

Student tuition is $60 for the entire ACE Academy, which includes the Living Lab at BSU. Tuition is due upon notification of acceptance to ACE Academy. Only 40 student slots are available. Limited scholarship opportunities may be available as well.

Teacher tuition is $50 for the Living Lab June 14. Half of the tuition will be funded by a scholarship from the Idaho STEM Action Center; the balance will be the teacher's responsibility. Only 20 teacher slots are available. Tuition includes lunch, and is due upon notification of acceptance to the Living Lab. Qualifying teachers will earn equivalent in-service credit as well.

Support for ACE Academy is being provided by Idaho Division of Aeronautics, Boise State University College of Engineering, Idaho STEM Action Center, Art and Science of Flying, Idaho Aviation Foundation, Idaho Aviation Association, Ag-Air Turbines, Precision Aviation, Inc., NASA, Idaho Space Grant Consortium, Idaho Aviation Hall of Fame, American Association of University Women, Idaho State University, Warhawk Air Museum, Boise Fire Fighters Local 149, Idaho Ninety Nines, Kontra Accounting, Katie Baker, Cheryl McCord and Bill Clark.