How DataCorps and SUN 'n FUN's Junior ACEs Program Ignite Interest in CAD Design and Prototyping
The Junior ACEs program at SUN 'n FUN is all about empowering youth to explore the fascinating world of STEM and aviation through hands-on, high-tech activities like CAD 3D design and rapid prototyping. At the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), young participants can use industry-standard software to design aircraft parts, learning the fundamentals of engineering and design. This immersive experience not only sparks their creativity but also gives them a sense of accomplishment as they bring their digital designs to life through 3D printing. This program, which spans multiple venues like the Skylab Innovation Center and the Buehler Hangar, is an incredible way to introduce kids to the technologies shaping the future of aviation.
Since 2013, DataCorps has proudly supported SUN 'n FUN’s mission to inspire young people by partnering with ACE’s youth-focused initiatives. By providing resources and expertise, DataCorps helps make advanced technology like CAD design accessible to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore these tools. We believe that giving kids the hands-on experience to design and prototype real-world objects early on opens pathways to future careers in technology and aviation, reinforcing the importance of STEM education.
The CAD workshops within the Junior ACEs program are designed to teach young learners not only the technical aspects of creating and modifying 3D models but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As they design and prototype parts, they learn about aerodynamics, material science, and the engineering behind modern aircraft. This experience is enhanced by the real-time feedback they receive while using professional CAD software, bridging the gap between imagination and reality. DataCorps’ partnership ensures that these programs stay cutting-edge, inspiring future technologists to innovate within the aviation sector.
By supporting these high-tech learning experiences, DataCorps and SUN 'n FUN are showing kids that a career in aviation technology is not just a distant dream but an achievable goal. Programs like these do more than entertain—they inspire. We aim to cultivate a new generation of technologists and engineers, demonstrating that their passion for building and flying can turn into a lifelong career. Our collaboration with SUN 'n FUN is all about laying that foundation, one CAD design at a time.
