FAMESTM | Finance, Arts, and STEM: Mr. Mark C. Cherry captivated the students attending FAMESTM Summer STEM Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington (BGCGW) with an
introduction to Unmanned Air Vehicles – aircraft with very long wings flying over the desert for as long as 5 days without a pilot. Cherry engaged the attendees using videos of various advanced UAVs and other aerospace vehicles developed by Aurora. He also discussed how UAVs could be used to deliver goods and 
supplies. Cherry, a former United States Air Force officer also showed the student helicopters and piloted aircraft that he had worked on during his military career. The students were particularly interested in Mr. Cherry’s USAF education, and wanted to know more about the service academies as a choice for college. Cherry explained
what aerospace engineer’s career is like. As a role model he described how his education in engineering and business management helped shape his path to the top of a highly technical company. His job requires knowledge of finance, engineering design and STEM; three of FAMESTM focus areas. As a result of Cherry’s presentation several students said they want to apply to a service academy after graduating from high school. Over 30 students from grades 6-9 and the summer camp student counselors attended the presentation. Cherry volunteered his time for FAMES Summer STEM Program at BGCGW on June 29, 2016. “I am devoted to STEM education and technology, and in helping foster our young students who could be future leaders in science and technology,” said Cherry. “It’s very fulfilling working with FAMES to help our students realize their potential.”
Mr. Mark C. Cherry is the President and COO of Aurora Flight Sciences, responsible for the operational and financial performance of the company. Aurora is a leader in the development and manufacturing of advanced unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles. Prior to joining Aurora, Mr. Cherry worked at Sikorsky Aircraft as the Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Synergy. Prior to that, he worked at Teradyne and Boston Consulting Group. Mr. Cherry joined industry after serving as an officer in the United States Air Force. He held several roles including lead battle damage engineer for the A-10 program office. He led the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) efforts to demonstrate technology in the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration (AFTI) program, as well as unmanned aircraft demonstrators. Mr. Cherry has served on a number of nonprofit boards including INROADS Northeast Region and United Way of Fairfield County. He holds an MBA from Stanford University and Master of Science degrees in Systems and Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
On June 22, 2016 FAMESTM launched its eight week long Summer STEM Program for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Professionals who are actively working in STEM-related fields are invited to act as role 
models by talking to the students about their career path their current work. These presentations expose the students to science and engineering beyond what their classroom education can provide. FAMESTM (www.famesusa.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and educating disadvantaged youth in Grades 4-12 in finance, arts, and STEM subjects, mainly during after school and summer programs. Through hands-on, computer-based and technology programs, our goal is to create a broader awareness in these areas, and inspire the curiosity that motivates students to want to know more. FAMES partners with schools, youth organizations, and sports clubs located in underprivileged areas, as well as other non-profits with complementary missions. By offering relevant and engaging programs, our ultimate goal is to increase opportunity for underprivileged youth so they grow up to be significant contributors to society.