FAMES’ founder Avik B. Ganguly’s desire to start a hands-on Engineering Program for the youth at BGCGW became a reality this spring. In collaboration with Dr. Andrew Becnel of the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Department of Aerospace Engineering (UMDAero) and his students, an exciting series of presentations were given to young students in the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.
The first presentation, conducted virtually using Zoom, the UMDAero students, Ian Bannon, Jacob Diament, Noam Kaplan, Lauren Meyers, Juan Rodriguez, and Raghav Srivastava, introduced themselves and discussed what inspired them to become an Aerospace Engineer. Then began a deep exploration of how airplanes fly and what it takes to build a flying machine. The students at BGCGW were excited to learn the basic scientific concepts of flight, such as how air flowing over a wing produces a force called ‘lift’. The UMD students steadily expanded the discussion to explain how many forces work together to keep an airplane in the air. Videos were included at each stage of the presentation to reinforce basic concepts and how changes in design affect an airplane’s performance. These practical examples demonstrated fundamental principles in a fun and interesting way which led to many questions from the BGCGW audience. To put new learning into practice, the UMD students guided the young engineers in building their own small airplane wing and to test their results. The presentation ended by extending the lessons learned to other field such as the design of cars and boats. 
The future BGCGW Young Engineers were captivated by the program and had a great time competing to see who could produce the best wing. FAMES plans additional such engagements to help young people consider future careers in science and technology. Efforts like the FAMES® Young Engineers Program inspire young minds, and also provide students in STEM fields an opportunity to teach others and become future leaders. Thank you Ian Bannon, Jacob Diament, Noam Kaplan, Lauren Meyers, Juan Rodriguez, and Raghav Srivastava for your time and support to FAMES® Young Engineers Program.
These STEM activities were made possible by a grant from the SAMPE Foundation, a philanthropic program within SAMPE North America focused on the support of K-12 STEM education.
FAMES® would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Andrew Becnel of UMDAreo. Dr. Becnel is passionate about STEM education for youth. Thank you Professor Norman Wereley, UMDAero, UMD College Park. Thank you Jimmy Works of BGCGW HQ and Shawn Michael Osborn BGCGW Jelleff for your support and passion for youth STEM education. (030821)
FAMES® (www.famesusa.org) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and educating underserved and underrepresented youth in Grades 4-12 in finance, arts, and STEM subjects. FAMES® programs inspire the students to attend college, bolster self-confidence, and help them develop a path for future professional success.