NASHUA – STEM Flights, a national nonprofit organization, is offering Nashua middle and high school students a free flight experience at local airports.

Volunteer pilot mentors in Nashua donate time and expenses to promote aviation and aerospace education for young people in the region.

“There are several dedicated pilot mentors in Nashua who are flying kids and are passionate about inspiring the next generation of pilots and aerospace workforce professionals,” said Carley Walker, Director of Development for STEM Flights. “We encourage any middle and high school student in the area to apply for a free flight experience. Nashua is lucky to have volunteer Pilot Mentors who are ready and available to fly.”

STEM Flights has a presence in 49 states across the country with more than 100 volunteers flying students from various parts of the U.S. Students can apply online for the free flight, but must first complete an online assignment featuring STEM, learning how those concepts relate to aerospace and aviation. Students must also submit a letter of recommendation from a trusted adult. Once a student has completed the online application and STEM learning, they will be paired with a volunteer Pilot Mentor in the area. The parent/guardian will correspond with the Pilot Mentor to determine the best date and time to meet at the local airport.

After the flight experience is over, the students are then given additional resources to continue aviation and aerospace education and career exploration.

“Most of our students end up in flight training, aerospace engineering, or some other type of aviation education,” said Walker. “Our goal is to stay with students until they are ready to enter higher education or the workforce and help them understand all the opportunities in the aviation industry.”

Ready to take flight? Parents and students should visit www.stemflights.org to sign up or connect with a STEM Flight staff member.