Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge
The Women of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM) are committed to inspiring young children to explore and pursue careers in STEM. We believe that one of the most impactful ways to ignite this passion is through mentorship—introducing youths to professionals in the industry fosters a sense of connection and belonging within the STEM community.
The Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge is a virtual, state-wide aerospace competition for students in grades 4-8. In groups of their choosing, participants are tasked with developing a sustainable flight solution to solve a real-world problem.
The Flight Challenge lasts four weeks, with a virtual Kickoff event at the beginning, 4 weeks of group and mentorship work, and virtual Final Presentations at the end. The project involves engineering, marketing, design, and business planning, with mentorship from aerospace professional mentors who provide support, feedback, and insight throughout the process.
Fifth Annual Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge
Dates: TBA Oct-Nov
Kickoff Event: TBA October
Location: Virtual!
Gather your team and get ready to lift off with the Fifth Annual Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge!
Returning this fall, the MYFFC welcomes 4th-8th graders around the state of Michigan to compete over four weeks creating a flight challenge to solve a world problem. Teams can be 2-6 students, and each team will have access to two professional aerospace industry mentors.
Fourth Annual Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge: Top Teams
19 student teams – 19 professional mentors
1st Place, $1000 Prize: Team Sky Scouts – 6th Grade
Team Sky Scouts chose to tackle a community problem by designing an environmentally sustainable solution that ensures access of medicines to all the residents in MI who live in pharmacy deserts. With their Med Drop Messenger, this team created a drone delivery system designed to deliver OTC and prescription medicines to
users who cannot pick it up from the pharmacy due to various challenges.
2nd Place (tie), $600 Prize: Team Nerd Girls – 8th Grade
Team Nerd Girls looked at natural disasters in different communities to create a self-flying drone that uses AI and 360 cameras to locate lost people and pets who are stranded. Their drone captures GPS and visual data which is then processed by AI technology that can pass important information or situations on to be addressed.
2nd Place (tie), $600 Prize: Team The Condors – 4th Grade
Team The Condors tackled the future problem statement by designing a hydrogen and biofuel powered aircraft that eliminates the use of fossil fuels, and is accessible with biofuel generators in rural communities. They built upon existing electric and hybrid propulsion vehicles to create their innovative flight solution for a carbon free airline.
Most Creative Honorable Mention, $200 Prize: Team Sweet Power Girls – 4th-8th Grade
Team Sweet Power Girls tackled the future to make the world better, cleaner, and healthier. They created a flying car that is solar powered and is designed based on their research on biomimicry – using the model of a gecko to help their vehicle grip surfaces, shark skin to keep safe from bacteria, and owl wings so the car can fly smooth and
quietly.
About the Women of AIAM (WAIAM)
Women of AIAM (WAIAM) is a dedicated committee within the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) focused on expanding awareness, opportunity, and participation in Michigan’s aerospace and STEM industries. While WAIAM was created to uplift women and girls in aerospace, the group is open to all individuals—men and women alike—who share a commitment to strengthening the aerospace talent pipeline across the state.
WAIAM is co-chaired by Karen Arondoski of I.F. Metalworks and Rachel Plowman of Woodward, who lead the group with a focus on impact, collaboration, and mentorship. Together, they guide WAIAM in drawing on the knowledge, experience, and advocacy of its members—especially those with the ability to sponsor and support others entering the field.
Through outreach, mentorship, and industry engagement, WAIAM works to:
- Encourage young students—especially girls—to explore aerospace and STEM careers
- Support professional growth through shared connections and leadership opportunities
- Create pathways for individuals to thrive and lead in Michigan’s growing aerospace sector
WAIAM hosts and participates in programs and events that are open to all, while championing efforts that inspire and empower the next generation of aerospace talent.
Learn more about WAIAM here.