Solano Students: Put On Thinking Caps For Travis AFB Challenge

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – The Solano County Office of Education and the Travis Air Force Base are hosting on May 18, 2018, the "Phoenix Spark Challenge," an academic contest for high school students from throughout Solano County.

The Challenge, with cash prizes for winners and runner-up teams, will take place at Travis Air Force Base and is based on a strategy used by the military to problem-solve among military operational experts, academia and government agencies.

This particular academic challenge will call for students to design, solve and innovate the resolution of "real-life problems" facing Travis Air Force Base, according to organizers.

The three challenges are as follows:

1. Airfield Lighting Check: Design a system that saves time by remotely and wirelessly checking the lighting on the runway;

2. County-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Design a system that can deny UAS (commonly known as drones) entry into airspace;

3. Self-Driving Bus: Design a driverless vehicle capable of carrying 15-20 passengers with luggage from the passenger terminal to the Visitors Center.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Travis Air Force Base for this exciting event. This innovative project with Travis is the first of its kind in Solano County and across the nation," said Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Superintendent of Schools. "This experience will allow the amazing students of Solano County to showcase their talents solving real-life challenges while demonstrating their 21st century skills including Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration while applying Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).”

“It will also provide young people a chance to explore some of the various job opportunities available as part of a military career," Estrella-Henderson added.

Applications for the event will be available starting Jan. 18, 2018. More details here.

For questions, contact Gillie Miller, Director of College/Career Readiness at gmiller@solanocoe.net.

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--Pixabay image via pixel2013