AFA Chapter Empowers Dayton-Area Students to Become Next-Gen Leaders in STEM

AFA’s Wright Memorial Chapter (AFA WMC) in Dayton, Ohio, is making a lasting impact on STEM education through targeted grants that equip students with critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Led by Carl “Shof” Shofner, the AFA WMC Vice President for Aerospace Education, these initiatives are shaping the next generation of innovators by fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and workforce readiness.

During a recent visit to Beavercreek High School and Spinning Hills Middle School in the Dayton area, Shofner witnessed firsthand how AFA WMC’s support is driving hands-on learning experiences, empowering students to experiment, collaborate, and push the boundaries of their technical abilities.

AFA WMC Supports Beavercreek Robotics Team’s National Pursuit

AFA WMC became a sponsor of the Beavercreek High School robotics club in 2024. Although Beavercreek is not a socioeconomically disadvantaged school—typically the Chapter’s focus—their persistence and welcoming spirit made them a worthwhile investment. Previously funded by the school, the nationally ranked team transitioned to a parent-supported model in 2023 due to rule changes. Despite this shift, they continue to excel at the national level with the help of sponsors and volunteers.

The robotics club participates in scrimmages every few weeks, where teams refine their robot designs and prepare for regional and state competitions. Starting with only a basic kit of parts and competition rules, students iteratively improve their designs through collaboration and trial and error. This year’s challenge involves programming robots to collect and place rings on stanchions, competing against three other teams in both manual and autonomous phases. Volunteers play a key role in the process, from inspecting robots to scoring matches, making it an exciting and rewarding experience. AFA encourages others to join and support these talented students.

Spinning Hills Students Master Drones with WMC Support

AFA WMC’s education funds are making a significant impact at Spinning Hills Middle School in Riverside, Ohio, particularly through their support of drone and STEM programs. A recent visit highlighted a dedicated group of students learning to code and operate drones in a practice course, demonstrating perseverance and problem-solving skills. Two young girls, a fifth-grader and a sixth-grader, worked as a pilot and flight engineer, experimenting with coded instructions to maneuver a drone through obstacles. Their growing understanding of flight dynamics—discussing concepts like pitch, yaw, roll, and power—was inspiring, especially for their age. Additionally, fourth graders were seen working in teams to program their drones for precise take-offs, flights, and landings, using block coding to refine their skills.

Beyond drones, the middle school offers a robust STEM curriculum, including a computer science lab, an air and space flight class with a teacher ambitiously constructing a wind tunnel, and a robotics program where students build and troubleshoot their own creations. A key takeaway was the emphasis on student-driven problem-solving, with teachers acting as mentors rather than providing direct answers. The visit underscored the value of AFA WMC’s investment in fostering innovation, teamwork, and hands-on learning in STEM education.