Amid a backdrop of patriotism, high security, innovation and technology performance expectations, 59 students and parents visited MAG Aerospace in the Fort Walton Beach Commerce and Technology Park on Saturday, March 9th for a free HSU Educational Foundation Game Changers event.
Chad Vuyovich, Director of AFSOC Programs, and his professional team led students through an interactive, hands-on learning experience, exposing them to the industry skills of highest demand. As host of the event, MAG Aerospace highlighted pathways for students to match up with local promising, high wage careers. He encouraged the students, who attend 13 different local elementary, middle, home school and high schools, to pursue the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and related courses, with particular emphasis on the power of passion and commitment to learning, while developing a sense of accountability for mistakes that are inevitable along the way to success. He stated that he hoped to see many of them in the future at MAG. Vuyovich stated, “ I am very proud of the MAG Team, for building such a successful interaction with the HSU Foundation students and truly amazed how much the kids enjoyed the different technologies.” He added” MAG is fully committed to making multiple differences in the lives of children and adults throughout the Greater Fort Walton Beach area, this is only one of many to come.”
MAG Aerospace, located at 634 Anchors St NW, FWB is a 25,000 sq. ft facility featuring traditional and virtual labs, offices and support services. MAG Aerospace John T. Carney Center of Excellence Technology Integration and Support Center (TISC), a newcomer to the area is rapidly growing and looking to fill high technology open positions. MAG has partnered with the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to close the gap between development and fielding, creating a cutting edge, one-of-a-kind innovation hub that provides the engineering framework to rapidly field game-changing technology to the Warfighter, now with other US Government agencies intending to replicate.
Upon arrival, students could not help but notice a prominent poster displayed in the front lobby encouraging MAG employees to; innovate, participate and give back! During the event, The MAG Aerospace team and the students divided into three arenas of interactive training: HTML Exercises, Design Skills, and Engineering for Tactical Equipment. Students were thrilled to see the largest printers they had ever seen and learned from Nic Dezinski the full capabilities of this high caliber equipment. Students and parents were exposed to the field’s soldier’s full dress attire and learned how the radio and night goggle improvements have added safety and communications to the battlefield. With the lights turned out and looking thru the goggles, students were shown how soldiers locate and signal targets. As several students tried on the heavy gear, their parents were delighted to hear exclamations of excitement and voiced curiosity in questioning their subject matter guides.
Engineer, John Kasmark gave a brief outline of what gives an engineer the ability to see something beyond the present and make improvements. Cultivating a growth mindset for problem solving at a young age is a key component to developing an innovation workforce.
“The HSU Educational Foundation developed the Game Changers program to serve as a connector between students and the industries eagerly seeking a technical, STEM skilled workforce,” says Amanda Negron, HSU Foundation Executive Director. “By hearing from professionals like John Kasmark, students and their families are more informed about pursuing these career opportunities and participating in scaled down, relational activities help inspire a spark in these fields.”
The MAG Aerospace event support team included. Cherish Vuyovich, Patricia Parris, Crystal Wood, Nic Dezinski, John Kasmark, Robert Bracy, David Jones and Brandon Shifflet. Lunch and refreshments were generously provided by MAG and the students exclaimed their appreciation to the Mag Team for an informative, fun-filled, unforgettable experience.
Visit hsu-foundation.org, for more information about HSU Educational Foundation programs.