Thursday, October 1, 2026
Middle school students from the Baldwin School District got a firsthand look at careers in aviation and aerospace through a STEM program supported by the JetBlue Foundation.
Students participated in classroom lessons and hands-on activities at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, learning how science, technology, engineering and math are used throughout the aviation industry.
The program introduced students to flight-tracking technology, weather, artificial intelligence and airport operations, as well as the teamwork involved in keeping aircraft moving safely.
The experience concluded with a Family STEM Night at the museum, where students in the Aerospace After School Program explored exhibits with their families and received certificates recognizing their participation.
Students and their families also watched “Cities of the Future,” a film highlighting developments in science and technology and related career opportunities.
“We’re grateful to the JetBlue Foundation for helping us create experiences that connect classroom learning with the real world,” Inés Jijón-Llenza, the museum’s director of education, said. “Our hope is that students leave this program excited about STEM and inspired by the opportunities in aviation.”
Baldwin Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Stephanie Rengifo said the program also helped students develop skills that extend beyond science and technology.
“We were delighted to partner with the Cradle of Aviation Museum to provide this enriching experience for our students,” Rengifo said. “While the program introduced students to exciting careers in aerospace, engineering, and STEM, its greatest value extended beyond scientific exploration. Through hands-on learning, students strengthened the critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills that are central to Baldwin's Future Ready Competencies and New York State's Portrait of a Graduate.
“This learning series embodied the spirit of a true 'Leaving to Learn' opportunity by bringing authentic, real-world expertise directly into the classroom, allowing students to make meaningful connections between their learning and future career pathways.”
The program was designed to introduce Baldwin students to potential aviation career paths while demonstrating how lessons learned in the classroom can be applied in the industry.
