TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Competition is fierce in attracting and retaining engineers and software professionals to the Air Force Sustainment Center. Within the Engineering and Technical Management Directorate, outreach programs, fueled by a dedicated network of workforce volunteers, are reaching students at the earliest opportunity to connect the fun of aerospace to a career at the center.
“Early outreach is vital because we have to bridge the gap between classroom science and real-world careers,” said Laurianne Fisher, STEM outreach program manager. “We plant the seeds, clear up common misconceptions, and open doors that students didn’t even know existed.”
With AFSC projecting a baseline hiring demand of more than 3,000 scientists and engineers over the next five years, recruiting is critical. To meet this target, the AFSC/EN outreach team collaborates with human resources, maintenance, logistics, and software groups.
Volunteers from across AFSC’s three primary installations—Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Hill AFB, Utah; and Robins AFB, Georgia—frequently dedicate their personal time to spark that curiosity in local communities.
“By bringing everyone to the table, we can show young minds the incredible, real-world impact that STEM has right here on base,” Fisher said.
Travis Fink, a mechanical engineer from the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, recently spent a Saturday volunteering at a STEM-focused Comets MVP Field Day to engage elementary students. “I want more engineers out there,” Fink said. “I think the stigma behind engineering is it’s a lot of math and science, but there are a lot of booths out here that showcase engineering is more than sitting at a desk.”
Local parent Maria Williamson, who attended the event with her eight-year-old son Julian, agreed. “It’s been amazing! It gets them out of the house and reminds them about school and what to look forward to.” Julian said he plans to be a baseball player or geologist when he grows up.
In Georgia, the AFSC/ EN STEM Outreach team hosted the Fifth Annual STEM City Expo August 15. In partnership with 25 local STEM organizations from industry, government, and academia, the event introduced more than 700 students and parents to STEM careers available in Middle Georgia. The event featured hands-on STEM activities, student training sessions, and a helicopter fly-in.
“The energy and curiosity we saw from students today proves that the future of STEM is brighter than ever,” said Felice Pitt, STEM outreach program manager. “We wanted to show them that STEM is everywhere. By connecting them with real-world technology and hands-on activities, we sparked a passion that will carry over into the classrooms and future careers.”
Hill AFB supported the Leadership Experience Growing Apprenticeships Committed to Youth, or LEGACY, Program over the summer. The program offers a free week-long summer camp to youth 11-15 years old which focuses on STEM hands-on projects. In addition to summer camps, AFSC hosts high school junior apprenticeships and paid apprenticeships for college students.
According to Fisher, every effort matters. “While tracking a student’s journey from a middle school classroom to their first day as a civilian is difficult to measure on paper, the true value of our outreach goes far beyond immediate hiring statistics,” she said. “Every school visit, career fair and hands-on demonstration is a vital long-term investment. The real impact is seen when a spark of curiosity leads a student to realize their potential is limitless and that there is a place for them here.”
“STEM activities give students opportunities to explore, create and solve real-world problems,” said AFSC/ENR Division Chief, Jodie Millican. “These activities build curiosity, confidence, teamwork and resilience while helping young people see how their ideas can improve their communities. Such experiences prepare the next generation not only for Air Force opportunities, but also to contribute to innovation and address challenges across their communities.”