STEM Program

Celebrating STEM achievements - First, Fastest, Farthest

Every big achievement and discovery of aviation history has been reached when innovators played in the boundaries between Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. We're delighted to provide an exhibition for anyone interested in aerospace and the STEM fields, as well as to offer scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in this area.

What's so cool about this STEM Exhibit?

‘hands-on’ opportunities for kids and adults to meet pilots, find out how robots operate, and see how the sun can power a car!

High school robotics teams will be on hand to demonstrate how their robots work.

The 2018 Air Show will feature a drone exhibit as part of the overall STEM experience.

Come visit one of the best STEM exhibitions you will ever experience!

Take a look below at some pictures from our 2017 exhibits, and join us for more activities and discoveries in March, 2018!

What is STEM, anyway?

STEM education is more than just Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics; it is an interdisciplinary and applied approach, coupled with real-world, problem-based learning. STEM education removes the traditional barriers between the four disciplines by integrating them into one cohesive teaching and learning paradigm. Today, new innovations and inventions tend to be made at the boundaries of these four disciplines, where they naturally overlap. A STEM-literate student is even more than an innovator and critical thinker, able to make meaningful connections between school, community, work, and global issues. A STEM-literate high school graduate can enroll in a college-level course of study in science, technology, engineering, or math without the need for remediation. STEM skills are increasingly necessary to engage in our knowledge-based economy. Solid evidence suggests that the highest-wage and fastest-growing jobs in future years will be in STEM fields and all employees will need to utilize STEM skills for problem solving in a wide range of industries.

Apply for our STEM Scholarships

Get the application and read application guidelines on the Scholarship Page.

Interested in becoming an exhibitor in our STEM area?

Use this 2018 STEM Exhibition Registration Form, and contact with any questions. You will receive a form which should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Schools interested in presenting will be sent permission slips upon acceptance to the program.

Explore Hands-On STEM Activities

At the heart of the STEM Program is a wide array of interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and encourage experimentation. Visitors of all ages can roll up their sleeves and dive into activities that bring science and engineering concepts to life. From building and launching model rockets to programming simple robots, there is something for every budding innovator.

Popular hands-on stations include:

Flight Simulators: Experience the thrill of piloting an aircraft using realistic controls and virtual reality.
Rocket Building: Construct and launch your own water or air-powered rocket, learning about thrust, aerodynamics, and trajectory.
Circuit Design: Create working electrical circuits using snap-together components, exploring the basics of electronics and conductivity.
Drone Zone: Watch skilled pilots demonstrate drone maneuvers and learn about the technology behind unmanned flight.
Wind Tunnels: Test the aerodynamics of different objects and see how air flows over wings and other shapes.

All activities are led by knowledgeable volunteers, including educators, engineers, and university students, who guide participants through the scientific principles behind each experiment. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a seasoned science enthusiast, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of how STEM shapes the world of aviation.

Meet the Experts: Pilots, Engineers, and Innovators

One of the most inspiring aspects of the STEM Program is the opportunity to interact directly with professionals who work in STEM fields every day. Throughout the event, pilots, aerospace engineers, robotics specialists, and other experts are on hand to share their experiences, answer questions, and demonstrate their craft.

Visitors can attend informal talks and Q&A sessions where industry veterans discuss their career paths, the challenges they've overcome, and the exciting projects they're working on. Local aerospace companies and universities often set up booths with cutting-edge technology, offering a glimpse into the future of flight and space exploration.

Our goal is simple: to show every visitor that STEM is not just a subject in school—it's a gateway to incredible adventures and careers.

For students considering a future in STEM, these conversations can be life-changing. Hearing firsthand how a childhood fascination with airplanes led to a career as a test pilot or how a love of math paved the way for a role in satellite design can ignite a passion that lasts a lifetime.

STEM Career Pathways and Inspiration

The Los Angeles County Air Show STEM Program is dedicated to showcasing the vast array of career opportunities available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From traditional roles like aerospace engineer and avionics technician to emerging fields like drone operations, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy, the program highlights how STEM skills are essential in today's workforce.

By connecting students with real-world professionals, the program helps break down barriers and demystify these careers. Young attendees can learn about the educational requirements, day-to-day responsibilities, and the personal rewards of working in STEM. Many past scholarship recipients have cited their experience at the Air Show as a turning point in their decision to pursue a STEM degree.

Aerospace Engineering: Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
Aviation Maintenance: Inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft to ensure safety.
Robotics and Automation: Create intelligent machines for manufacturing, exploration, and everyday life.
Data Science and Analytics: Use data to solve complex problems in aviation and beyond.
Renewable Energy: Develop sustainable power solutions for aircraft and ground operations.

The STEM Program is more than just a fun day out—it's a launchpad for future innovators. By exposing young minds to the possibilities, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

For Educators: Bring Your Class to the Air Show

Teachers and school groups play a vital role in the STEM Program, and we welcome educators to bring their students for an unforgettable field trip experience. The Air Show offers a unique environment where classroom concepts come alive, and students can see firsthand how STEM applies to real-world challenges in aviation and aerospace.

To support educators, the STEM Program provides a variety of resources, including pre-visit activity guides, scavenger hunts that align with curriculum standards, and suggestions for post-visit discussions and projects. Teachers can also arrange guided tours of the STEM exhibits, led by knowledgeable volunteers who can tailor the experience to specific grade levels and learning objectives.

In addition to exploring exhibits, students may have the opportunity to present their own STEM projects at the Air Show. Schools that participate as exhibitors can showcase robotics teams, science fair winners, or engineering design challenges, giving students a platform to share their work with a wider audience and receive feedback from professionals.

Community Partnerships and Sponsorships

The success of the STEM Program relies on the generous support of community partners, including local businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. These partners contribute expertise, funding, and volunteers, making it possible to offer high-quality interactive exhibits and scholarships to deserving students.

Companies and organizations interested in supporting STEM education can get involved in several ways. Becoming an exhibitor in the STEM area allows you to showcase your products, services, or educational programs directly to a engaged audience of families and students. Sponsoring the STEM Program provides visibility for your brand while demonstrating a commitment to developing the future workforce.

Universities and technical schools often partner with the Air Show to provide interactive demonstrations, mentorship, and information about degree programs and financial aid. These collaborations strengthen the pipeline from K-12 education to college and careers, ensuring that students have the support they need to succeed in STEM fields.

If your organization is passionate about STEM education, we invite you to join us in inspiring the next generation. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and the future of innovation.