Six Distinctive Areas Feature Innovation, Careers, And More

Creative out-of-the-box inventions, opportunities for careers in aviation and voices of futuristic ideas are all in one area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014: College Park.

There are six main areas to College Park: the Career Center, the Education Center presented by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Innovations Center presented by the National Aircraft Controllers Association (NATCA), the College Park Forums presented by FedEx, the QUAD presented by Alpha Eta Rho, the oldest professional aviation fraternity, and the outdoor exhibit area. Each of these areas has something unique for AirVenture attendees.

The Career Center is a place for networking and entertainment for aspiring aviators ages 14 to 24. Back this year are the EAA Job Fair and College Social events. Young people can learn about and network with universities from all over the country that have renowned aviation programs. There are also companies looking for students who could potentially work for them in the future.

The Education Center is sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and will feature colleges, universities and tech schools that feature programs in aviation and STEM.

The Innovations Center is sponsored by NATCA and is new to College Park this year. It showcases what’s new and exciting in aviation and space, and highlights STEM initiatives, the future of human space exploration and the vision of safer, more efficient, greener flight and transportation.

The College Park Forums is sponsored by FedEx and will feature cutting edge technology topics alongside other topics that fit this unique area on EAA grounds.

Alpha Eta Rho will be at College Park throughout the whole week assisting any person who has questions and providing insight into what a future in aviation means. They also have a few activities planned each day. They will be located in the “Quad” in College Park, along with flight simulators from Frasca International, Inc.

Another highlight of College Park is the 21st Century Scavenger Hunt. Attendees can start the hunt at College Park and score points by collecting munzees (QR codes) at locations throughout the grounds.

To kick things off, EAA encourages all College Park attendees to participate in the “#EAASelfie” contest. Anyone can take a selfie and use the hashtag #EAASelfie to enter to win a free helicopter ride during the week. There are many selfie opportunities at College Park, one of which is sitting in the cockpit of an F-86.

FMI: www.airventure.org