For five Saturdays from late March through early May, Wings of Hope welcomed 22 students into our hangar for the spring 2026 SOAR into STEM session. The immersive aviation and STEM curriculum guided students through a range of aviation topics including: the principles of flight and airplane basics, mechanics and engineering, aircraft navigation and communication methods, and uncrewed aerial vehicles (aka drones). Students worked alongside mentors on hands-on activities such as performing essential aircraft maintenance tasks, practicing communicating with air traffic control, honing their stick and rudder skills using flight simulators, and flying drones.

Guest speakers included an A&P/IA aircraft mechanic, a mechanical and structural engineer from Boeing, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, a former air traffic controller, and a charter jet pilot. The program culminated with an Aviation Career Exploration Fair — allowing students to meet directly with representatives from the aviation industry and higher education institutions — and EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Young Eagle Flights courtesy of EAA Chapter 1675. Students flew in aircraft provided by EAA Chapter 1675 and were accompanied by EAA volunteer pilots. These flights, which were the first in a general aviation aircraft for most, were the program highlight for many students.