317th RCS Launches Second "AF STEM 2020 Challenge" in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland Schools, Focuses on Jobs

Published Dec. 22, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Bobby Evans
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After overwhelming success of the 2012 campaign, members of the 317th Recruiting Squadron, located in Oxon Hill, Md., are launching their second effort to energize Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. schools toward supporting careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM. As the world's leader in Air, Space, and Cyber technology, the Air Force is committed to encouraging the Nation's youth towards STEM careers. In the year 2020 and beyond, STEM careers will be the key to revitalizing American innovation and creativity in an increasingly competitive global environment.

To generate awareness of STEM opportunities, the 317th RCS will be issuing the "AIR FORCE STEM 2020 CHALLENGE" by hosting an essay contest for grades 8-12 in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. College students and educators are also encouraged to participate.

"Science and Math are key to stimulating innovation and creativity in our youth, and we are partnering with a variety of Government, Industry, and Non-Profit Organizations to generate interest in STEM careers," said Lt. Col. Ravi Chaudhary, 317th RCS commander. "The United States Air Force is a huge stakeholder in equipping our nation with agile thinkers ... the types of folks that come tailor-made to fill the many technology jobs our nation will need to fill in order address its unemployment challenges."

Throughout the year, 317th RCS Airmen will be connecting with schools all across the region to discuss the importance of STEM, and the impact it has on the future of innovation in America. Winners of the STEM 2020 CHALLENGE will be invited to Washington D.C. in April and have the opportunity visit the Pentagon--the top scorers will also have the chance to come to Washington and participate in the "Fighter Pilot for a Day," program. They will receive F-22 and F-35 fighter briefings and have the chance to fly state-of-the-art fighter simulators.

The 317th will also be reaching out with its partners in government, industry, and non-profits to recognize students with the top Math and Science grades in their schools. Airmen will be partnering with key government agencies to advocate STEM careers

Chaudhary offered a final thought: "This program is one part innovation and two parts inspiration. Since its inception, Airmen in the Air Force have always been at the leading edge of creativity and innovation in America. STEM is in the DNA of every Airman, and we look forward to partnering across the National Capital Region to inspire interest in STEM with our Nation's next greatest generation."

Individuals interested in taking the Air Force STEM 2020 Challenge can register by sending an e-mail to rsot317@us.af.mil, or contact the STEM 2020 Challenge team at (301)567-7025. Click here for STEM 2020 Challenge essay contest rules and guidance. The deadline for essay submissions is Jan 20, 2012. Winners will be announced in February 2013.