Providing Inspiration In STEM With Mentoring For High Schoolers

Teenagers in central New Jersey area are building an airplane under the watchful eyes of mentors at the Flying W Airport (N14) in Medford.

They are part of Teen Aviation of New Jersey, a youth organization whose mission is to bring joy and opportunities to young people as well as inspire and encourage them to gain greater knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and aviation-related fields.

Teen Aviation has a history going back to Joy To The Child, founded in 2006 to bring joy into the lives of children in need. In 2021 the corporation established the Aircraft Build Program under the Alternate Name of Teen Aviation of New Jersey.

The organization then started the Aircraft Build Program to provide a real goal and hands-on experience for those with an interest in aviation. It is entirely funded by donations and there is no charge to parents for students to participate. All staff and mentors are volunteers who wish to encourage and pass on their knowledge to the next generation of aviators, engineers, and scientists.

The program is currently focused on building a Vans RV-12 (File Photo) two-seat experimental aircraft under the supervision of program mentors. The approach is basic: mentors teach and students build. The objective is that the airplane will fly when completed. This is intended as the first in a series of aircraft builds that the group plans to sell and use the proceeds to fund the next build and so on.

FMI:  www.teenaviationnj.com/