Video: Students Explore The Air At “Air Expo”

[syndicaster id=’5733022′]

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s an industry that is on the rise, with less than a 2% unemployment rate.

Aberdeen middle school students learned from their classmates about what aerospace jobs are available at the Air Expo on Friday.

Rockets, robotics and drones take flight with high school students at the controls at the first Air Expo in Monroe county.

“What we want to do is inspire them and give them something to look forward to in the future,” said Aberdeen High School JROTC member Jose Gonzalez.

“Aerospace is a growing industry, in Lowndes County, we have four major aerospace companies and it’s just a shame that young folks don’t know about the opportunities,” said Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Aberdeen High School Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Coggin.

The goal of the expo is simple, to raise awareness for STEM programs, aerospace careers and showcase what Aberdeen’s Junior ROTC has to offer.

By teaching younger students now about these careers,  organizers hope they will be more motivated.

“Research says we need to start much earlier, in fact, around 5th or 6th grade. A lot of young folks go to high school, they don’t really know what they’re wanting to do, so they’re not motivated about the learning,” added Coggin.

For the students, it was a fun time to learn valuable lessons.

“It was a fun experience, coming here, expecting being in JROTC being fun and games but then learning it’s also personality and fitness,” said 8th grader Ennis Matthews.

“I enjoyed it a lot. It was good experience for the kids to learn about the science program and this is our first space program in Monroe county,” said 8th grader Brandan Williams.

Representatives from the Columbus Air Force Base, The National Guard, and the Monroe County Airport were also on hand at the expo.