HOUSTON (September 26, 2011) – Who could have imagined that two brothers from Dayton, Ohio would have ignited that first spark of human flight that turned into, “Five, four, three, two, one, Houston we have liftoff.” Those are the words that have echoed for decades as the United States led the way in space exploration. As we move into exciting years ahead in aviation and aerospace, students at HoustonWorks USA STEM Institute’s AirSpace.Orb will be able to take part in planning their future in these industries.
AirSpace.Orb is an aeronautics career-path program that offers hands-on academic learning centered on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Sessions will include airplane piloting, navigation, space station design, air traffic control and more with customized computer software.
“To say we are honored and excited about this program is an understatement,” Larry Green, CEO, HoustonWorks USA said. “The tradition we have in ‘Space City USA’ makes this such a natural fit. These students are going to be learning about technology, space exploration as well as other aspects of aviation including working with a flight simulator. The next Sally Ride or Charles Bolden could easily be in this program.”
Starting on Saturday, November 5, 2011, AirSpace.Orb classes will begin on the campus of Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne Ave, in Houston’s historic Third Ward. Fifty (50) slots are available to interested high school students seeking exposure to careers in aviation/aerospace, or any of the numerous opportunities in STEM related fields. Students must reside in the Houston or surrounding metropolitan area. Program rewards include a stipend, a flight suit and eligibility to join a club for continued opportunities.
“I have been involved in the aerospace industry for many years” said Howard Lederer, CEO and Chairman of Atec, Inc. an important provider of jet engine test systems and rocket motor components (Atec.com), and HoustonWorks USA Chairman. “Establishing a program that will encourage young people to become involved in the aviation and aerospace industry is important for Houston. NASA is located here in Houston, and we are a hub for the world’s largest airline, United/Continental; so these enterprises along with their hundreds of suppliers are going to need a high quality and educated workforce. That is exactly the mission of HoustonWorks USA.”
The goal of AirSpace.Orb is to challenge the minds of young men and women, grades 9-12, by navigating their interest towards the many challenging career opportunities in the field of aviation and aerospace. The Aviation and Aerospace Industry offers career opportunities to suit many interests and backgrounds. The industry is not just limited to pilots, engineers, technologists, and astronomers. It also encompasses a variety of other related careers including: medicine, business, law, communications, and airport management and design.
ABOUT HOUSTONWORKS USA:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 million annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, and use of the resource library with internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston-Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
# # #