STRATFORD, Conn. – For the fourth consecutive year, Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., is giving kids ages 9-16 a chance to compete for a $1,000 scholarship through the Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Program and Challenge.

The national program, which challenges kids to design a “Helicopter of the Future,” will run through September. Contestants will design a helicopter that addresses the potential challenges of 2050 and plan for how their “Helicopters of the Future” would overcome those challenges.

The winner will receive the Igor Sikorsky Youth Innovator Award along with the scholarship. In addition, the young innovator will be flown to Sikorsky’s headquarters in Stratford to tour the assembly line of the Black Hawk and Seahawk military helicopters and to meet with Sikorsky rotorcraft engineers.

Last year’s winner, Vance Hudson, 15, of Collierville, Tenn., designed an S-2050 helicopter with a detachable main section that would allow operators to configure the aircraft rapidly for multiple missions or deliver modular loads with life-saving resources for people in need. Hudson created the helicopter for countries that cannot afford multiple versions of emergency aircraft.

Museums throughout the country will use fun, hands-on activities to help students imagine the environmental future and challenges of helicopters. Teachers and museum staff can sign up at www.helicopter2050.com to receive free program materials. Students can enter the competition at www.helicopter2050.com.