AMA Receives $300,000 Grant From ALCOA Foundation To Grow Stem Education Program

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), the world’s largest organization representing those who fly model aircraft for recreation and educational purposes, has been awarded $300,000 from the Alcoa Foundation for the “STEM Takes Flight” initiative. This project will help expand AMA’s work to promote education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and is estimated to impact 9,600 young people. “Model aircraft is a fun, educational hobby that has long served as a stepping stone for careers in aviation and aerospace,” said Dave Mathewson, executive director of AMA. “In support of this, we’ve launched a number of STEM-based education programs that encourage more young people to explore the various career opportunities. We’re looking forward to growing this effort with the Alcoa Foundation.”

 This grant is an extension of the Alcoa Flight Research grants previously awarded to AMA. As part of this extended project, AMA will conduct an additional 15 STEM-based workshops for teachers working at an estimated 300 elementary, middle and high schools at locations across the United States. AMA’s goal is to inspire more students to pursue STEM-related careers. In addition, AMA and the Alcoa Foundation will distribute enhanced Flight Research Kits in the U.S., and also offer these kits to Alcoa volunteers in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. The expanded partnership between AMA and the Alcoa Foundation will continue through 2017. An estimated 9,600 students at 300 elementary, middle and high schools across the U.S. will benefit.