Purdue, Space Force host weeklong program in West Lafayette
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Purdue University is partnering with the U.S. Space Force for an inaugural program to introduce high school students to careers in aviation and space.
About 40 students from more than 17 states, including 12 from Indiana, have descended upon the West Lafayette campus for the weeklong event that began Sunday.
Purdue says the program will introduce students to unmanned aerial systems, flight operations, and air traffic control, among other careers. Space Force Guardians will also present information on the final day about the space environment and education and career opportunities in the Space Force.
Purdue said nearly 100 students applied for the 40 spots in the program.
Vicki Gilbert with Purdue’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology said one of the biggest benefits for participants will be the hands-on learning that occurs onsite.
“Participants will gain practical experience in our four major aviation areas of management, engineering technology, unmanned systems, and flight,” Gilbert said in a news release. “They’ll take classes at the second-busiest airport in Indiana, meet representatives from industry, and learn from our school’s faculty and current students.”
The program will run Sunday through June 30.